3 weeks ago
Karnataka forms committee to examine Bidadi township project
The government of Karnataka in India wants to build a very big new town near a place called Bidadi, close to the city of Bengaluru.
The government first planned this town in 2006, but the plan was stopped.
Now it wants to start again and calls the town India's 'first AI-powered integrated township'.
To build it, the government needs land, and it has issued a final notice to take over 499 acres in three villages.
Many farmers and villagers are unhappy about giving up their land, and they have been protesting.
The government says it will not take land from anyone by force and will listen to people's suggestions.
It has created a special committee led by Justice Guhanathan Narendar to study the project from legal, humanitarian and development angles.
The committee has 30 days to give its report.
Opposition political parties say they will protest the project in the state assembly, and one party has announced a march to Bidadi.
The committee will help the government decide what is fair.
The Karnataka government constituted a committee headed by Justice Guhanathan Narendar to examine differing views on the Bidadi Township or Greater Bengaluru Integrated Suburb project.
The committee includes retired Chief Secretary S V Ranganath, retired Additional Chief Secretary S R Umashankar and retired IAS officer Prasanna Kumar, and must submit its report within 30 days.
A final notification was recently issued for the acquisition of 499 acres across three villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks despite opposition from farmers and villagers.
The project, projected as India's 'first AI-powered integrated township', is expected to cover 7,481 acres across nine villages.
Opposition BJP and JD(S) plan to raise the issue in the Karnataka Assembly session starting August 13, and JD(S) has announced a foot march to Bidadi, most likely on August 14.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, a committee headed by Justice Guhanathan Narendar, and opposition parties BJP and JD(S).
- What
- Constitution of a committee to comprehensively examine differing views on the Bidadi Township or Greater Bengaluru Integrated Suburb project and submit recommendations within 30 days.
- Where
- Bidadi in Bengaluru South district, Karnataka, covering villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks.
- When
- Saturday, August 8, with the committee required to submit its report within 30 days.
- Why
- To examine the project's legality, humanitarian considerations and comprehensive development amid opposition, and to revive the stalled 2006 project in a people-friendly manner as investment demand around Bengaluru grows.
Government and project backers
Farmers, villagers and opposition parties
Land acquisition
Government and project backers
The chief minister has clarified that land will not be acquired forcibly from anyone, and the project aims to minimise displacement of residential areas and provide better value to landowners.
Farmers, villagers and opposition parties
Farmers and villagers oppose the project, and protests by various groups continue despite a final notification for the acquisition of 499 acres in their villages.
Project revival and scale
Government and project backers
Reviving the project decided in 2006 is needed because demand for investment around Bengaluru is increasing, and the government says it will respect the aspirations of the people.
Farmers, villagers and opposition parties
Opposition BJP and JD(S) say they will raise the issue vehemently in the Karnataka Assembly to corner the government over the 7,481-acre AI-powered township.
Public consultation
Government and project backers
The government will consider suggestions and opinions from the public to ensure the project is implemented in a people-friendly manner.
Farmers, villagers and opposition parties
Various groups are already protesting against the AI Powered Integrated Township project in Bidadi, and the JD(S) has announced a foot march to Bidadi.
Key facts
- Committee head
- Justice Guhanathan Narendar
- Report deadline
- Within 30 days
- Project name
- Greater Bengaluru Integrated Suburb (Bidadi Township)
- Project area
- 7,481 acres across nine villages
- Land under final acquisition notification
- 499 acres across three villages
- Initial project decision year
- 2006
- Karnataka Legislative Session
- Starts August 13
- JD(S) foot march to Bidadi
- Most probable date August 14
Quotes
Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) spokesperson
Official representing the Chief Minister’s Office
“"The committee will examine the project from the perspectives of legality, humanitarian considerations and comprehensive development before making its recommendations."”
theprint.in
“"The government’s objective is to further improve the project by respecting the aspirations of the people and taking all stakeholders into confidence," it said.”
theprint.in
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Karnataka Revives Bidadi AI City Amid Farmer Opposition
Kumaraswamy cites 2006 Congress report against Bidadi township project
Bidadi farmers meet Shivakumar, ready to give land for GBIT
JD(S), BJP begin joint march against GBIT land acquisition
HDK slams Karnataka government over Bidadi township, backs farmers
