Farmers up in arms against ITIR

The proposed project on fertile land would affect 29 villages in Devanahalli and Doddaballapur taluks, risking the livelihoods of 40,000 people, Harish, president of Hasiru Sene which is opposing the project, told presspersons here on Wednesday. He said the project is illegal as the Government had not taken the permission of farmers, and thus “had no right to endanger the livelihoods of farmers and the poor.” The Government also has not come up with any compensation scheme for their rehabilitation and has given the responsibility to contractors.

The Chief Minister had promised the people that no fertile land would be acquired without their consent, but he has not kept his words, he said. In addition to acquiring fertile land, the project would also affect the Arkavati and Dakshina Kannada river basins that provide water to the surrounding villages and some areas in Bangalore.

With 400 acres of land acquired for the international airport, the government seems to lack empathy with the poor, Harish said.

“We are not against development but the Government should look for alternative options and spare our fertile land,” he said.