Mysuru, Oct. 21 (BLU&BCT)- The State Government’s ambitious plan to develop an industrial area over 404.10 acres at Kochanahalli village in Mysuru taluk has hit a major roadblock, as farmers and land-owners have demanded Rs. 4 crore per acre in compensation while Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has offered only Rs. 1.15 crore per acre.
The sharp difference in valuation has led to a deadlock, with farmers rejecting the Government’s offer outright. A mediation meeting convened yesterday by MLC Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah at Jaladarshini Guest House ended inconclusively.
Kochanahalli, located near Kadakola, falls under the Varuna Assembly Constituency represented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Following the initiation of land acquisition, KIADB had fixed compensation at Rs. 1.15 crore per acre — a rate the villagers have refused to accept.
Unhappy with the offer, Kochanahalli farmers had earlier met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and conveyed their unanimous rejection. During a phone call to KIADB Managing Director Mahesh, made in the presence of the farmers, the CM reportedly instructed that the acquisition should not proceed until he personally finalises the compensation rate.
Acting on the CM’s direction, his son Dr. Yathindra held the meeting yesterday, attended by Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy and the KIADB officials.
While the Government reiterated its offer of Rs. 1.15 crore per acre, the farmers remained firm. “Our village is close to Mysuru city and the land here is as valuable as gold. We demand Rs. 4 crore per acre,” the farmers asserted.
Shivanna, a farmer who attended the meeting, told Star of Mysore, “They said our demand is not feasible. Dr. Yathindra assured us that he would speak to his father (CM Siddaramaiah) and try to increase the rate to Rs. 1.25 crore per acre.”
“We made it clear that we will not accept even Rs. 1.25 crore. We will not part with our land and have asked the Government to withdraw the acquisition process from our village (Kochanahalli),” he added.
Dr. Yathindra reportedly responded, “I will inform my father about your demands. Let’s see what decision he takes.”
The meeting was attended by several Kochanahalli residents, including K.M. Puttaswamy, Madegowda, Madappa, Chetan, Shivaraj, Swamy, Kumar and Mahesh.
'Land acquisition nearly complete'
