FARMERS OPPOSE LAND ACQUISITION
Beyond Bengaluru, Karnataka’s plans to expand its AI ecosystem have also raised concerns over agricultural land.
The state government’s proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township, near Bidadi, southwest of Bengaluru, includes plans to set aside more than 800ha for AI-related and ancillary industries.
Hundreds of farmers from several villages have been protesting plans to acquire land for the township for more than 18 months, saying the development threatens fertile farmland used to grow multiple crops.
Despite the resistance, the government issued a final notification in June to acquire about 210ha across three villages in the first phase of the project.
Environmentalist Lokesh BS said the area supports crops including betel nuts, coconuts and bananas, as well as sericulture, or silkworm farming.
