Devanahalli farmers anxious over KIADB notice on land rates: Report
Bengaluru: Farmers in Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahalli taluk are gripped with concern after receiving fresh notices related to land acquisition, raising fears that the state government may go back on its promise to drop plans for a large-scale industrial project in the region.
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has issued notices for a price-fixation meeting regarding 439 acres of land in Hyadala and Gokare Bacchenahalli — two of the 13 villages that were previously notified for acquisition to establish a defence and aerospace technology park. This comes despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assurance on July 15 that the government had scrapped the acquisition of 1,777 acres across 13 villages for the project, as reported by The New Indian Express on Friday.
Although the scheduled meeting on September 6 was later deferred following protests, villagers remain deeply concerned about the government's intentions. Many farmers now warn of launching intensified agitations if the land is not denotified as promised.
Ramesh Cheemachanahalli, a farmer and member of the Channarayapatna Land Acquisition Protest Committee, alleged that the government had earlier stated land would be taken only from willing farmers. “Around 23 farmers have offered 154 acres. But at least 13 other applications are bogus, and submitted under fake names. Complaints have been filed with the police and KIADB,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Cheemachanahalli stressed that once prices are fixed, acquisition becomes legally binding, making the government’s intention unclear and fuelling farmers’ fears.
Farmers argue that despite the “voluntary” claim for only 154 acres, notices issued mentioned that the meeting was about acquiring 439 acres, creating panic. Ravi Matabarlu, a farmer from Gokare Bacchenahalli, alleged that notices were selectively sent only to a few landowners. “They sent notices only to a handful of farmers who had ‘supposedly’ agreed to give land, not to all landowners. Officially, they say notices were issued to everyone, but in reality, they selectively approached just a few. Later, they claimed others had rejected or returned notices,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
He further alleged that some of the applications submitted were fraudulent. “In one case, a person even signed on behalf of his elder brother, claiming he was willing to give the land,” he added.
Krishnappa, another affected farmer from Hyadala, expressed concern that despite the Chief Minister's earlier announcement about dropping the project, KIADB continues to convene meetings. He believes that officials and politicians are sending mixed signals, leaving farmers uncertain about their future. With their livelihoods dependent on agriculture, many like him fear losing the very land that sustains them.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
