Bidadi township: CM hints at compensation above ₹3 crore per acre

The Karnataka Chief Minister has signalled that farmers giving up land for the ambitious Bidadi township project could receive compensation exceeding ₹3 crore per acre. The statement, made on Sunday, marks a potential shift in the state's approach to one of its most contentious land acquisition efforts.

Officials familiar with the matter said the final package is still being worked out, but the CM's remarks suggest the government is willing to go beyond its earlier offer to break a prolonged impasse with landowners.

A long-pending project

The Bidadi township, envisioned as a satellite city on the outskirts of Bengaluru, has been on the drawing board for years. Conceived as a public-private partnership, the project aims to decongest the city by creating residential, commercial, and industrial zones in a planned manner.

However, progress has been slow. Farmers have resisted the acquisition, demanding higher rates and better rehabilitation packages. The ₹3 crore per acre figure was earlier floated as the upper limit, but the CM's latest signal suggests that cap may be flexible.

What the CM said

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister indicated that the government is prepared to consider compensation beyond the ₹3 crore mark. He did not specify a new figure, but stressed that the state is committed to a fair deal for landowners.

"We want the farmers to feel they are partners in this development," he said, without detailing how the additional amount would be structured or funded.

Farmers' response

Farmer leaders, who have been organising protests against the acquisition, have responded cautiously. Many have welcomed the CM's openness but insist that a written commitment is necessary before they call off their agitation.

Their key demands include not just higher monetary compensation, but also job guarantees, a share in the project's commercial benefits, and clear timelines for payment.

Revenue implications

The state government's willingness to pay more will have significant fiscal implications. The Bidadi project spans thousands of acres, and even a modest increase in per-acre compensation could add hundreds of crores to the total outlay.

Revenue department officials are believed to be working on cost projections, though no official numbers have been released. The government may also explore options such as annuity payments or land pooling to ease the immediate financial burden.

The project has seen multiple deadlines come and go. Earlier attempts to fast-track acquisition were stalled by legal challenges and political opposition.

What happens next

A formal announcement on the revised compensation package is expected in the coming weeks. The government is likely to convene a meeting with farmer representatives to finalise the terms before any cabinet approval.

All eyes will be on whether the CM's signal translates into a concrete offer that satisfies both the farmers and the state's fiscal prudence.