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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 100th Saudi Pro League goal
Riyadh (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal as Al-Nassr beat Al-Shabab 4-2 to move five points clear at the top of the table.
The 41-year-old forward converted a Sadio Mané cross at the near post with 15 minutes remaining to record the 971st goal of his career on Thursday. It was also his 26th league goal of the season.
“Ronaldo is always dangerous going forward and we saw that again today,” Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus said.
João Félix, signed from Chelsea in July, scored three goals for the league leaders.
The win took Al-Nassr to 82 points from 32 games, five ahead of Al-Hilal, which has three matches, one more than Nassr, left to play. Al-Hilal meets Al-Kholood on Friday and faces Nassr on Tuesday in what could be a title decider against its Riyadh rival.
“Now we have a derby match against our rival, which is a difficult encounter,” Jesus said.
“We are fully aware of its importance, and we are dealing with it with complete focus as we know that small details could decide the result.”
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has yet to secure a major trophy in Saudi Arabia since signing with Al-Nassr in December 2022.
