Devanahalli Farmers Protest Over Land Acquisition Resumes

Quick Summary

• Farmers from Channarayapatna hobli, Devanahalli taluk, resumed protests against the acquisition of 1,777 acres of fertile farmland for a proposed aerospace park.
• A preliminary notification for land acquisition impacting 13 villages was issued in 2022. Protests began on April 4, 2022.
• Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised to withdraw the acquisition if elected. Despite assurances after assuming office this year, the final notification was issued in April 2025.
• following renewed pledges to halt the process by Siddaramaiah earlier this July, farmers ended their prolonged protest (spanning over three years).
• Anger reignited as notices were recently sent by Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) regarding meetings on compensation without explicit clarification on voluntary land surrender provisions discussed previously.
• Farmers point out that voluntary consent would not suffice as onyl about 150 acres coudl be acquired this way versus the total requirement of nearly 1,777 acres.
• Protest leaders demand written orders from the goverment confirming withdrawal and vow to continue demonstrations until formal clarity is issued.

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