• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Bengaluru News: The Karnataka government is set to establish a new information technology (IT) hub in Sarjapur, following the models of Electronic City and the International Tech Park in Whitefield. The Karnataka Industries Area Development Board (KIADB) has been tasked with acquiring 1,050 acres of land for this ambitious project, although its development raises concerns about the government's broader goals to reduce congestion in the city.

According to a Deccan Herald report, the proposed tech park will be located in several villages, including Bikkanahalli, S Medahalli, Adigara Kallahalli, Sollepura, Murthanallur Amanikere and Handenahalli, all with Sarjapur hobli of Anekal taluk. The KIADB has nearly completed the acquisition of around 647 acres across six of these villages and is in the process of acquiring an additional 401 acres in Hosahalli, with preliminary notifications having been issued earlier this month.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru Power Cut Today: BESCOM Announces Outage In Key Areas On Nov 28; Check Affected Areas And Timings

Officials are optimistic about finalising the land acquisation within the next six months. Compensation for affected landowners will be provided in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act,2013. A senior official stated, "We will take physical custody of the land only after providing compensation. Most of the land is either agricultural or vacant."

The government aims to use the 1,050 acres to foster a start-up ecosystem, which has become a hallmark of Bengaluru's identity. M.B. Patil, the Minister for Commerce and Industries, is spearheading the initiative to attract young entrepreneurs in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, finance and technology. He is expected to unveil detailed plans ahead of the Global Investors Meet (GIM) scheduled for February.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru Weather Update: Haze, Light Rain Loom Over City As Cyclone Fengal Approaches | Check IMD Forecast

While the project is anticipated to stimulate economic growth, many landowners are concerned. They fear that compensation might not be timely and that the land they currently farm, which includes mulberry for sericulture, vegetables and other commercial crops, is being taken away. Furthermore, many residents have settled in Sarjapur to escape the chaos of the city.