KIADB on acquisition spree in Dharwad

3,631 acres notified despite no demand from industries

The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board has notified 3,631 acres for acquisition under Suvarna Karnataka Industrial Corridor project in Dharwad district. The KIADB has been going ahead with acquisition despite there being no demand for land from any industry.
According to the notification issued in May 2010,  as much as 610 acres in Shinganahalli-Kummanaikanakoppa, 591 acres in Chikkamalligewada, 590 acres in Kotur-Belur, 585 acres in Sutagatti-Itagatti have been proposed to be acquired.  The farmers have been asked to file their objections. The acquisition of 953 acres in Mummigatti-Kelageri has reached final stages with the KIADB offering  Rs 26 lakh an acre.  All the acquired lands would be used for industrial purposes.
Majority of the lands proposed to be acquired are fertile, where horticultural crops are being grown. The land notified at Mummigatti is adjacent to the University of Agricultural Sciences. There are also allegations that acquisition of garden lands of some “influential persons” had been dropped.
KIADB sources told Deccan Herald that the plan to acquire 3,000 acres in Durgadakeri had been shelved since it was felt unnecessary.
No demand
The purpose of large-scale acquisition has become a mystery in the absence of demand from any industry. According to sources, Hero Honda has evinced interest in setting up a plant in Mummigatti. The talks, however, have not been finalised.  The proposal to set up Nano car plant of the Tatas  in Dharwad district could not be materialised due to  non-availability of suitable land. It is also said that water scarcity has been driving away the industries from setting up shop in the district.

H D Nagavi, KIADB Dharwad manager said that the final notification would be issued only after industries place a demand and the lands continue to be in the possession of farmers till such time.