Bidadi Township land acquisition compensation rolls out in Karnataka

The Karnataka government’s Bidadi Township project, covering 518–519 acres across nine villages, has begun disbursing compensation to farmers whose land is being acquired. The Greater Bangalore Development Authority (GBDA) issued checks worth ₹2.30 crore per acre, along with separate payouts for various crops and trees (e.g., ₹40,446 per coconut tree, ₹62,000 per mango tree). Initial payments were made to landowners in Kembayyanpally, Mandalahalli and Vaderahalli.

The scheme has sparked political debate, with the Congress, BJP and JD(S) taking opposing stances. GBDA officials, including legislator H.C. Balakrishna, pledged that the money would be deposited within a week and warned that failure to do so would lead to his “political retirement.” Despite opposition, officials say many farmers are now willing to surrender land under the compensation package.