Shivamogga: A wave of palpable frustration swept through Sogane and its neighboring villages in Shivamogga taluk on Thursday as residents launched a resolute protest directly in front of the Shivamogga Airport. Their anger stems from a prolonged delay in the promised allotment of land sites to families who sacrificed their property for the ambitious airport project.
Demonstrators voiced strong accusations against the State government, highlighting its consistent failure to honor commitments made during the land acquisition process. This long-standing promise dates back to 2007, a time when B.S. Yediyurappa served as the Deputy Chief Minister within the then-ruling JD(S)-BJP coalition government.
According to M.B. Krishnappa, who leads the committee advocating for these affected farmers, the government initially acquired 34 acres of land. This land was subsequently developed by the Karnataka Housing Board, with the clear understanding that sites would be distributed to those whose properties were taken. Yet, years later, these crucial allotments remain undelivered.
Krishnappa further detailed that approximately 450 farming families collectively surrendered 800 acres for the airport’s development. In exchange for their land, they were explicitly assured both financial compensation and a 60×40 sqft residential plot. The struggle for justice has seen these farmers not only stage protests, including one during the airport’s inauguration in 2023, but also pursue legal avenues.
“Despite a recent assurance from the Housing Minister that the sites would be allotted soon, we are still waiting,” Krishnappa emphasized, underscoring the deep mistrust that has festered over years of inaction.
The protesting villagers have declared their unwavering resolve to continue their agitation until their demands are fully met. They warned of a gradual escalation of their protest, including the possibility of physically locking the airport gates, should the government fail to respond adequately and promptly.