Bengaluru's 2nd International Airport: 6,000 Acres Near Nelamangala-Kunigal Site Chosen, Farmers Object

The Karnataka state government has identified a 6,000-acre land parcel near the Nelamangala-Kunigal National Highway 75 for the proposed second airport near Bengaluru. A detailed digital survey of the site was recently conducted using helicopters, and a preliminary map of the location has been prepared. However, the project has sparked protests among local farmers.

A few days ago, a special team comprising environmental pollution officers and surveyors visited the site. The survey was carried out in three gram panchayats covering Motagondanahalli, Nelamangala, Sompura, Yentaganahalli, and Soladevanahalli. SCP markers were placed at multiple locations as part of the study.

Following the ground survey, a helicopter survey was conducted four to five days later. The fertile agricultural land under review lies near the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and is part of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi river basins.

The project spans 13 villages under three gram panchayats, including Soladevanahalli, Motagondanahalli, and Yentaganahalli. The 6,000 acres earmarked for the airport consist primarily of fertile farmland, further fueling concerns among farmers and environmentalists.

Farmers have expressed anxiety over the lack of clear communication from government officials conducting the surveys. While officials have been tight-lipped about the purpose of their activities, their evasive responses to farmers' inquiries have raised suspicions. Farmers are now seeking intervention from local representatives to uncover the project's details.

The site was selected after extensive deliberations to reduce the load on Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli. The Ministry of Big Industries identified five potential locations near Bengaluru, including areas around Kunigal National Highway, Bidadi, Harohalli, Dabaspet, Shira, and Nelamangala. The Nelamangala-Kunigal site was ultimately approved by Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, paving the way for the surveys.

The proposed site intersects with several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Bengaluru-Mangaluru railway line via Hassan and the Bangalore-Mangaluru National Highway. Additionally, Solur has been marked for development as a suburban township, and the Hemavathi water pipeline project is planned along this route.

Farmers' Appeal to Halt the Project

Local farmers, led by Nelamangala MLA N. Srinivas, have raised objections, emphasizing the importance of preserving fertile agricultural land. "The welfare of farmers should take precedence over the need for a second airport," Srinivas said, adding that they plan to appeal to the CM and DCM to abandon the project.

The fate of the proposed second airport remains uncertain as opposition grows, with farmers and environmental advocates highlighting the potential loss of valuable farmland.