Thu Dec 26 01:42:00 UTC 2024: ## Farmers’ 1000-Day Land Acquisition Protest in Karnataka

**Bengaluru, December 26, 2024** – Over 700 farming families in Devanahalli taluk, Karnataka, are marking 1,000 days of protesting against the acquisition of 1,777 acres of land for the Haralur Industrial Area Development Project (Phase I). The protest, organized by the Bhoo Swadhina Horata Samiti, began on April 4, 2022, after the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) issued notices. The farmers, who plan a large rally on December 30th, are demanding the complete withdrawal of the land acquisition process.

The KIADB issued a preliminary notification in August 2021, but the final notification is yet to be issued. The affected land spans several villages, including Palya, Haraluru, and Cheemachanahalli, with a significant portion owned by farmers from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The farmers claim the project will displace approximately 6,000 agricultural laborers.

Despite meetings with former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the farmers’ demands remain unmet. While both officials have pledged to review the situation, promises made during previous meetings have not resulted in any action. The farmers briefly boycotted the Lok Sabha elections in April 2024 before resuming their protest. Unless the government cancels the entire acquisition, the farmers vow to continue their demonstration.

Read More