3 weeks ago
Karnataka Revives Bidadi AI City Amid Farmer Opposition
Leaders in Karnataka want to build a brand-new smart city called an AI City near Bengaluru.
It will have good roads, metro trains, a big stadium, parks, and nice homes.
The plan was stuck for many years, but now the government wants to restart it.
To build the city, they need farmland from farmers.
The government says farmers will now get much more money, more than 3 crore rupees for every acre.
Farmers can also choose to receive part of the new city's land instead of money.
The government promises nobody will be forced to give up their land.
But a political party called JD(S) led a walk to protest against the project.
Many farmers are unhappy about giving up their farmland.
A special committee has been set up to listen to different opinions and suggest improvements.
The committee must share its report within thirty days.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the revival of the stalled Bidadi Township as an advanced AI city in a video statement and X post.
The project, under the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority, will feature world-class roads, metro connectivity, an ultra-modern stadium, parks, and housing.
Compensation for farmland has been raised to more than Rs 3 crore per acre, up from Rs 25 lakh under the previous administration.
Farmers preferring land over cash will receive 50 percent of developed land, with acquisition described as entirely voluntary.
The JD(S) organised a padayatra against the scheme, and the government constituted a committee headed by Justice Guhanathan Narender to review the project.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the JD(S), farmers opposed to the project, and a government committee headed by Justice Guhanathan Narender.
- What
- The revival of the stalled Bidadi Township project as an advanced AI city with roads, metro connectivity, a stadium, parks, and housing.
- Where
- Bidadi in Bengaluru South district, about 40 km from Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
- When
- Shivakumar made the announcement on a Sunday, and the committee must submit its report within thirty days.
- Why
- To transform Bengaluru South district, boost employment, and create an AI-powered city, while protecting farmers' interests.
Farmers and Project Opponents
Karnataka Government
Land Acquisition
Farmers and Project Opponents
The JD(S) organised a padayatra against the scheme, and farmers strongly oppose the project because it requires acquiring large stretches of agricultural land.
Karnataka Government
The government says acquisition is entirely voluntary and no pressure will be applied to anyone unwilling to part with property.
Compensation and Farmer Welfare
Farmers and Project Opponents
Opponents remain unhappy about giving up farmland despite the increased compensation offer.
Karnataka Government
The government says compensation has risen to more than Rs 3 crore per acre from Rs 25 lakh, farmers can get 50 percent developed land instead of cash, and farmers' interests are the foremost priority.
Key facts
- Project
- Bidadi Township, also called Greater Bengaluru Comprehensive Suburb / Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT), revived as an AI City
- Location
- Bidadi, about 40 km from Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Area
- Nearly 9,600 acres
- Compensation
- More than Rs 3 crore per acre (up from Rs 25 lakh per acre)
- Land-for-farmers option
- 50% of developed land for those who prefer land over cash
- Governing body
- Greater Bengaluru Development Authority
- Review committee
- Headed by Justice Guhanathan Narender, with members S V Ranganath, S R Umashankar, and Prasannakumar; report due in thirty days
- Status
- Facing opposition from farmers and the JD(S) padayatra; political row over land acquisition
Quotes
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar
Chief Minister of Karnataka
“Protection of farmers’ interests remains the foremost priority. The previous administration had fixed compensation at only Rs. 25 lakh per acre; the present government has decided on more than Rs. 3 crore per acre. Those who prefer land instead of cash will receive 50 percent developed land,”
thehansindia.com
“Acquisition is entirely voluntary and no pressure will be applied to anyone unwilling to part with property. The government is committed to generating extensive employment for the young and ensuring a dignified life for cultivators, and seeks public cooperation,”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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