Karnataka - Mysore   

It is agriculture versus industrial development

MYSORE: Despite the objections filed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Ltd. (CNNL), Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has persisted with its land acquisition process in the irrigated area of Nanjangud taluk.

KIADB has earmarked 1,500 acres of prime agricultural land, portion of which is irrigated by the Varuna Canal (D. Devaraja Urs Canal), for the benefit of industrial establishments. The acquisition process launched a few years ago drew the attention of CNNL. It pointed out that more than Rs. 10 crore had been spent on the canal and was expected to benefit farmers in Ulimavu, Arakanahundi Kempisiddanahundi and surrounding regions.

“The money spent on developing irrigation infrastructure will be a waste and farmers will be deprived of irrigation facility,” according to CNNL. It referred to an earlier correspondence with KIADB on the subject and reiterated a few points underlining the importance of the area as a prime agricultural land. But the latest development in the affected villages proves that the Government has persisted with acquiring land to promote industries.

The land is being acquired to establish a textile park. Over 300 acres of land have been acquired in addition from the adjoining belt to establish a golf course. “We have the spectacle of proud landowners now turning into landless workers and working in their own field whose ownership has been transferred,” pointed out a few people of Adaklanahalli.

Given the tug-of-war between KIADB and the local people, who are reluctant to part with their land, agricultural activity has come to a standstill as many plots have not been tilled in the past few years. “Though we own land, there is uncertainty. Hence, we have not taken up farming. There are many persons in the village who have abandoned agriculture and are shifting to other daily jobs such as masonry or becoming construction workers in Mysore,” said Manjunath.

The land was acquired for the Fab City project. But when it did not materialise, the land was not handed over to the original owners. For, the revised law does not make it mandatory to return the land to the original owner in case the project does not materialise.

“There are many instances of land being acquired for establishing an industrial unit and changing hand from farmer to a potential investor. But the latter who buys it from KIADB puts it up for sale immediately and makes profit,” Suresh Kumar Jain, secretary of the Mysore Industries Association, said.

He mooted the idea of enacting a law which will make the duration of lease long to curb instant sale of acquired farmland and prevent the entry of real estate sharks from gobbling up or trading in agricultural land.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

It is agriculture versus industrial development
Remedial teaching programme in high schools from this year
Sex workers condemn proposed amendment to ITPA Act
Two land in police net for felling sandalwood tree
Syndicate Bank gives away ‘no dues certificates’
Souvenir to mark Azeez Sait’s birth anniversary
Award for their contribution

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu