The Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) asserts that over 90% of farmers near Bidadi have consented to the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) land acquisition, while local farmers dispute the figures, alleging manipulation. Amid the controversy, compensation worth ₹150 crore has been released, but many farmers are demanding faster payouts.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • GBDA reports over 90% farmer consent for Bidadi township land acquisition.
  • Farmers challenge the data, claiming manipulation and lack of written consent.
  • ₹150 crore compensation released; farmers are pressing for quicker disbursement.

The Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) issued a final notification covering 519 acres in the villages of Kempayyanapalya, Mandalahalli and Vaderahalli, as part of the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project. The plan envisions acquiring a total of 9,640 acres—7,200 of which are agricultural—in order to create a large‑scale integrated township on Bengaluru’s outskirts.

Official Consent Figures

According to GBDA’s data, 357 of 367 landowners in Kempayyanapalya, 23 of 26 in Mandalahalli and 53 of 63 in Vaderahlli have verbally agreed to surrender their land. These numbers translate to an alleged 90%+ consent rate across the three villages, a statistic that the authority is using to justify proceeding with the acquisition.

Farmers’ Rebuttal and Allegations of Data Rigging

Mandalahalli landowner Nagaraju M.R. vehemently rejects the figures, describing them as “manipulated.” He points out that his family alone owns 36 acres, and that more than 60% of the village’s land is held by seven families who have not consented. “Who are these 23 landowners who supposedly consented?” he asks, highlighting the discrepancy between the official count and on‑ground reality. Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) state secretary Yashavantha T. added that authorities are employing tactics—such as early cheque distribution to a few farmers through the local MLA—to undermine collective resistance.

GBDA’s Response and Compensation Progress

A senior GBDA official countered that many consenting farmers prefer to stay silent amid ongoing protests, primarily because they are awaiting compensation. To date, the authority has released compensation worth ₹150 crore, with 92 beneficiaries opting for cash, 25 for land, and 10 for a mix of both. Additional payouts for crops and trees have also been announced, exemplified by Shanthamma and Venkatesh receiving ₹1.26 crore for their 3.20‑acre farm.

Implications and Future Outlook

The dispute underscores a broader tension between rapid urban expansion and agrarian rights in Karnataka. While developers anticipate lucrative returns from the new township, sustained farmer opposition could delay the project and set legal precedents for future land‑acquisition endeavors. Experts warn that without transparent, written consent and prompt, fair compensation, the government risks eroding trust and facing protracted litigation.