Farmers impacted by the long-delayed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), now known as the Bengaluru Business Corridor (BBC), are stepping forward with their own proposals for fair land acquisition compensation.
The leaders of the affected farmers’ group plan to present three clear demands to the government: either shift the proposed BBC alignment by 10–15 kilometers, denotify the currently designated lands and issue a fresh notification based on 2025 market values, or, if neither option is acceptable, abandon the project altogether.
Srinivas Mavallipura, president of the BBC-affected farmers’ association, revealed that numerous farmers are ready to pursue legal action if the government fails to establish an equitable compensation framework. “The planning of this project has been riddled with errors, yet it’s only the farmers who have borne the brunt,” Mr. Mavallipura stated. “Many families have lost loved ones fighting for their land, and now the next generation continues that struggle. They all deserve justice.”
The farmers intend to demand that the government compensate them for the significant economic losses incurred since the project’s initial notification in 2005, which has seen no progress. Additionally, they will seek government jobs for family members of those most severely affected.
Gautam Chandra Jain, vice-president of the association, confirmed that these crucial proposals would be presented during an upcoming meeting with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
Mr. Jain emphasized that if the government is determined to proceed with the project, the compensation must be truly fair to farmers who have been unable to utilize their land for two decades, leading to immense financial hardship. “If budget constraints are an issue for the BDA, they should consider shifting the project 10–15 km further out from the current route. There, land values might align more closely with the compensation the government is prepared to offer,” he suggested.
He further alleged that the government’s reluctance to shift the project stems from influential individuals and politicians who have acquired land near the existing notified stretch. “A change in the project’s location would cause the anticipated surge in market value for these nearby properties to collapse,” he claimed.
BDA’s Latest Offer
In a recent meeting, BDA officials, including Chairman N.A. Haris, Commissioner P. Manivannan, and BBC chairperson L.K. Atheeq, met with the affected farmers and presented a revised compensation framework.
The BDA’s proposed package included four options: Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for acquired land, Transferable Development Rights (TDR) equivalent to market value, land-to-land compensation (the BDA’s traditional approach), and compensation calculated under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (based on 2005 market value).
Farmers Insist on Denotification
Despite the government’s agreement to offer compensation as per the 2013 Act, farmers are steadfast in their demand for the land to be denotified, followed by a fresh acquisition notification. Their reasoning is straightforward: the guidance value in 2025 is expected to be five to eight times higher than that of 2005. Since the government’s current offer is only two to three times the 2005 guidance value, farmers deem it unacceptable.
Mr. Mavallipura expressed the farmers’ deep mistrust in the BDA, citing its repeated failures to fulfill promises. “While bodies like BMRCL, BMRDA, and even the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) have adopted the 2013 compensation model, it remains unclear why the BDA continues to adhere to the outdated 1894 British-era Act,” he questioned.
He also raised concerns regarding the proposed land-use plan for the corridor. The BDA intends to build an eight-lane road with service roads (totaling 65m, including a 5m median) within a 100-m-wide corridor. The remaining 35m on either side is slated for commercial development, with portions to be offered to farmers. “Why acquire 100 meters of land for a 65-meter road? Why the insistence on developing commercial spaces alongside? They should only acquire the land strictly necessary for the road itself,” he argued.