Karnataka scraps land acquisition near Bengaluru airport over farm protests in a setback for Aerospace Park

The Karnataka government will drop its proposed acquisition of 1,777 acres of farmland in the Devanahalli taluk for a proposed aerospace park near Kempegowda International Airport, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on July 15, in what is being seen as a major victory for protesting farmers.

The decision came on the 1,198th day of farmers’ protest in the state.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired a meeting with officials and farmer leaders at Vidhana Soudha, said the government has decided to completely withdraw from acquiring land in Channarayapatna and surrounding villages in Devanahalli taluk.

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“We have completely shelved the land acquisition process. However, some farmers have voluntarily come forward to part with their land. The government will acquire land only from those who are willing, and they will be offered higher compensation and developed plots,” Siddaramaiah said at a press conference.

Farmers who do not wish to part with their land can continue agricultural activities, he added.

The Chief Minister said that while industrial development is important, especially in regions close to Bengaluru where land is needed for new industries and capital investment, the government is committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers.

“The state had initially planned to acquire the land to establish an aerospace park. However, the prolonged agitation-one of the longest and most intense against land acquisition in Karnataka-prompted the government to reconsider. The land is fertile and central to the livelihoods of local farmers,” Siddaramaiah added.

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Actor and activist Prakash Raj, who joined the protest in recent months, welcomed the decision. “Siddaramaiah has walked the talk. He hasn’t just spoken about social justice, he has acted on it,” he said.

Siddaramaiah had visited the protest site while in opposition and vowed to return the land if Congress came to power. The agitation had drawn wide support from progressive groups, who warned of a state-wide stir if farmers' demands were ignored.