The villagers of Sogane and surrounding areas in Shivamogga are taking a firm stand. They’ve announced a massive protest for October 9, 2025, right in front of the Shivamogga Airport. Their anger stems from the persistent failure to distribute the promised land sites, which were part of their compensation for properties acquired for the airport project.
During a press conference held in Shivamogga on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, M.B. Krishnappa, who leads the Sogane Bhoomi Hakku Raithara Horata Samiti (a powerful farmers’ rights forum), highlighted the core issue. He explained that the State Government had initially committed to allocating 2,400 sqft (60×40 sqft) plots as compensation to those who gave up their land for the airport.
Promises Made, Deliveries Delayed
In a move to honor this commitment, the State Government acquired a substantial 34 acres and nine guntas of land in Sogane village. This land was subsequently developed by the Karnataka Housing Board. Yet, despite these preparations, the promised sites have not been given to the affected landowners. “We protested during the airport’s inauguration in 2023, demanding these sites. The government gave us assurances, but they remain unfulfilled,” Krishnappa stated passionately. He added that even legal action yielded favorable court orders, but the government continues to drag its feet on implementation.
A recent meeting in Bengaluru, attended by Minister for Housing Zameer Ahmed Khan and Madhu Bangarappa (Minister for School Education and Shivamogga district in-charge), offered renewed hope. At this meeting, ministers and officials pledged that the sites would be allocated within ten days. “However, a month has passed since that meeting, and nothing has changed. We will now escalate our protest against this unacceptable delay. If our demands are not met, our agitation will only intensify,” warned Krishnappa.
Several other farmers joined Krishnappa at the press conference, underscoring the widespread frustration within the community.