Not my dream project, says DK Shivakumar on Bidadi township; rules out forcible land acquisitions

Under pressure from back-to-back farmer agitations and Opposition onslaughts, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has hit the pause button on the state’s ambitious Bidadi township project.

Addressing the rising anxiety in Bengaluru South, Shivakumar on Wednesday (July 15) assured farmers that the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project would not strip them of their livelihoods against their will. He added that those unwilling to part with their land were free to continue farming.

"This is not my dream project," he asserted, systematically shifting the ownership of the plan back onto the BJP and JD(S). Insisting that the initiative was originally designed and drafted under previous regimes, the Chief Minister promised a non-coercive approach, backed by a newly-established review committee to reassess the project's future.

'Not a private business deal'

The government would not compel any farmer to surrender land for the GBIT project, he asserted.

According to the CM, it was BJP and JD(S) project. "They wrote its preface and took the first steps. Nobody will be forced. Those who want to give land to the government may do so. This is not a private business deal. It is a government project," Shivakumar told reporters while sharing developments regarding the project.

"Those who wish to retain their land may do so. I will constitute a small committee. Within one or two months, it may comprise legislators, officials or even retired judges. I will discuss this in the Cabinet and take a decision. Let the committee submit its report. I am in no hurry. This project is not for my personal benefit," he said.

Also read: Bidadi land row: HD Kumaraswamy backs protesting farmers, promises legal aid

Alleging that conspiracies were being hatched against him by those unable to digest the fact that he had become the CM, Shivakumar said farmers should not suffer.

Committee to be set up

"Until the report comes, I will wait. Then we will see what the farmers say. I will leave the decision to the farmers because the relationship is between me and the farmers. If someone voluntarily wants to give land because they need the money, we will accept it. Those who don't want to give it need not. We will not force anyone," he added.

When asked why a committee was needed, the CM said, "We must hear the farmers' hardships, opinions and emotions. We must also examine the legal issues. Many CMs in the past made decisions in haste and later suffered the consequences. I don't want that to happen. We need discussions with knowledgeable people before making decisions."

Notifications issued

Despite opposition from sections of farmers and villagers, a final notification was issued last month for the acquisition of 499 acres across three villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks for the GBIT project, projected as India's "first AI-powered integrated township".

The project is expected to cover a total of 7,481 acres across nine villages in the region, with more notifications expected in the coming days.

Farmers have continued to protest against the project. On Monday, women in Mandalahalli confronted Joint Measurement Committee survey officials with brooms, leading the police to register criminal cases against them.

With a section of farmers demonstrating in favour of the project, there have been instances of face-offs between supporters and opponents of the project.

Not dropping project

Noting that some people had already voluntarily given their land for the project, the CM said, "The government project will continue. Why should I stop it? They have already received compensation. Notifications have been issued. They accepted the money willingly."

"At one stage, Kumaranna (H D Kumaraswamy) had promised Rs 25 lakh per acre, but when compensation reached Rs 2.5 crore, many happily accepted it. Once compensation has been accepted, that land becomes government land. Then the government will decide what to do with it," he said.

Also read: Bidadi is more than just a township row: It's a fight for Vokkaliga heartland

Responding to a question on whether the project would be dropped, he said, "Why should I de-notify the land now? In many villages, 75 per cent of the farmers have accepted compensation; in others, 50 or 60 per cent have done so. Once notifications have been issued and compensation paid, how can we suddenly allow farming to resume?"

Appealing to farmers to end their protest and focus on their livelihood, Shivakumar said, "Don't make sacrifices for someone's political interests. Share your views before the committee that will be formed." Asked about cases registered against some farmers, he said, "The committee will look into it. Nothing will happen. There is no need to worry. Let's see what needs to be done." Taking on Union Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar said the township proposal had originated during Kumaraswamy's tenure as the CM.

Five integrated townships

Presenting official records, Shivakumar said that on September 23, 2006, a meeting chaired by then Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy approved the development of five integrated townships around Bengaluru.

He said the government later decided to invite global tenders under the Public-Private Partnership model for the project.

In 2007, additional villages such as Marandahalli and Odeyarahalli were brought under the proposed township, he said, adding that

He added that a Gazette notification issued on November 20, 2006, had declared the project area a "Red Zone", prohibiting development without prior approval from the Bengaluru Development Authority.

Shivakumar alleged that the previous government had issued orders determining compensation for properties, including houses in village settlements, and had permitted private developer DLF to participate in the project after collecting a security deposit of Rs 400 crore.

"Now tell me, Kumaranna, who promoted the real estate business? Was it you or me?" the CM asked.

He said the township proposal was later pursued by the BJP's B S Yediyurappa government in 2010, which again invited global tenders under the PPP model.

(With agency inputs)