Bengaluru: Despite opposition from farmers and political parties against the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) near Bidadi in Bengaluru South district, the Karnataka government on Thursday issued the final notification for the acquisition of nearly 500 acres in three villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks.
Government's resolve amid farmer unrest
The move signals the state's determination to push ahead with one of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's most ambitious urban development projects, second only to the proposed tunnel road project in scale and political significance. This comes despite growing unrest among farmers who fear the loss of fertile farmland, livelihoods, and the rural character of the region.
Project overview: India's first AI City
The township, estimated to cost over Rs 20,000 crore, is envisioned as a sprawling work-live-play urban hub on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Terming it 'India's first AI City', Shivakumar has projected it as a futuristic township that would redefine urban living. The project was planned across 7,481 acres covering nine villages. However, the final notification issued on Thursday pertains to 499 acres in Kempayyanapalya and Mandalahalli villages of Bidadi Hobli and Vaderahalli village of Harohalli Hobli. Among the notified villages, Kempayyanapalya will bear the brunt of the first phase, with 367 acres marked for takeover. Mandalahalli accounts for 70 acres, while another 61 acres will be acquired in Vaderahalli.
Timeline and approval process
The notification comes barely a month after the state cabinet accorded final approval to the project, clearing the way for land acquisition proceedings despite persistent objections from farmers and landowners. After securing formal approval in February 2025, the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA) issued a preliminary notification in March 2025 proposing the acquisition of land. According to the final notification, all objections were examined before the government decided to proceed with the acquisition.
Acquisition authority and legal framework
The government has empowered the commissioner of the GBDA and the Special Land Acquisition Officer-II, GBDA, Ramanagara, to carry out the acquisition process. The notification states that in cases where discrepancies arise between Akar Bandh records and pahani entries, the extent recorded in the Akar Bandh will be treated as final. It clarifies that ownership in government survey numbers where land grants have not been fully regularised will be determined in accordance with a 2012 government circular.
Township project in nutshell
- Project Name: Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT)
- Nick Name: India's First AI City
- Location: Bidadi Taluk, Bengaluru South District
- Estimated Project Cost: Rs 20,000 crore
- Land Requirement: Approximately 7,500 acres across nine villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks
- Villages to Be Affected: Bhyramangala, Bannigiri, Hosur, Vaderahalli, Kanchugaranahalli, Kempayyana Palya, KG Gollara Palya, Mandalahalli, Aralalusandra
- Compensation Package: Rs 2.07 crore to Rs 2.5 crore per acre, or option of up to 50% share in developed land
- Key Features: AI and technology-driven industrial zones, lakhs of jobs for locals, 17 lakes, 1,080 acres of parks, AI-enabled homes, global-standard schools, medical hubs, zero-traffic mobility corridors, skill development centres, entertainment and sports centre, dedicated green concert and event zones
Documents required for compensation claim
- Certified copy of sale deed, partition deed, gift deed, will deed, or related document.
- Family tree certificate by the Deputy Tahsildar.
- Receipt showing full land revenue payment.
- Copy of Aadhaar, Voter ID, or PAN card, along with two passport-size photographs of the land owner.
- An indemnity bond on Rs 500 bond paper, and an affidavit on Rs 100 bond paper along with a consent certificate from family members.
- A photocopy of the bank passbook revealing account number and IFSC code, along with a photograph attested by bank officials.
- An affidavit on any cases in the courts of the Tahsildar, Sub-Divisional Officer, District Collector, Civil Court, or any other court pertaining to the land.
