Holding on to land, livelihoods

The ongoing protest by farmers of Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bengaluru which has completed 1,000 days has become a symbol of resistance against the forcible acquisition of land by the state government. For nearly three years, farmers have been on an indefinite dharna demanding withdrawal of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB)’s land acquisition plans for an industrial project. Despite their opposition, the government remains unmoved.

The land in question – 1,777 acres across 13 villages – falls in a fertile agricultural region that is home to around 700 families who depend on it for their livelihood. The farmers cultivate a variety of crops including ragi, grapes, and mangoes. The area is known for its biodiversity and also supports sericulture and animal husbandry. A substantial portion of this land, about 500 acres, is owned by Dalit farmers, further adding to the social implications of the acquisition.

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, unequivocally states that the consent of landowners is a prerequisite for acquiring land for industrial projects. In the case of public-private partnerships, consent from 70% landowners is mandatory. However, farmers argue this provision has been overlooked by the state, despite overwhelming opposition. The fact that over 70% of the affected farmers have joined the protest underscores the intensity of the resistance.

At the heart of the protest is a simple question: why cannot the government explore alternate locations for these industrial zones? The farmers assert that the land being targeted is not only crucial for their livelihoods but for the region’s food sovereignty and environmental sustainability. They point out that other districts in the state that are becoming more accessible due to new airports and better road connectivity should be earmarked for industrial development. The government’s continued neglect of their demands raises questions about the state’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development.

The government has often spoken about promoting growth beyond Bengaluru which has reached the saturation point but this vision has largely remained on paper. If development is to be meaningful, the government must address the needs and concerns of those who are directly impacted – especially the farmers whose lives are inextricably tied to the land.

The farmers’ struggle in Devanahalli is not just about land acquisition, it is a fight for the right to decide what happens to their land and their future. As their protest enters the 1,000th day, it serves as a powerful reminder that development cannot be one-dimensional. True progress requires balancing economic growth with the well-being of local communities, and the farmers of Devanahalli are demanding nothing less.