Bengaluru: A delegation of farmers from Bairamangala and Kanchugaranahalli villages met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday and appealed to the state government to implement the Bidadi Township project and issue the final notification for land acquisition.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, farmers told Shivakumar that they have been facing difficulties for nearly two decades because of restrictions imposed in the Red Zone areas.
The farmers said agricultural activities have been severely affected by polluted sewage water from the Vrishabhavati river. They claimed that even coconut plantations, despite appearing green, are not producing the expected yield. The quality of milk has also reportedly been affected by the polluted water, they said.
The Red Zone restrictions have also affected infrastructure and development works in the villages, including the construction of hospitals and welfare centres. Farmers said the restrictions have stalled overall development and made it difficult for residents to access basic facilities.
They also highlighted difficulties in obtaining loans against their land. While banks provide loans of up to ₹1 crore against properties in neighbouring villages, farmers claimed they struggle to secure even ₹1 lakh against their land.
The restrictions have further made it difficult for residents to sell their properties or raise funds during emergencies, including marriage-related expenses, the delegation said.
The farmers therefore urged the government to resolve the long-standing Red Zone issue through implementation of the Bidadi Township project. They specifically sought issuance of the final land acquisition notification for Bairamangala and Kanchugaranahalli villages, saying it would provide a permanent solution to their problems.