Shivaram Karanth Layout Sites Expansion: BDA Proposes 2,000-Acre Residential Layout Near Whitefield

Even before compensating the farmers who have given up their land for the creation of Dr K Shivaram Karanth Layout, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has proposed a new residential layout in the eastern and northern parts of the city. The 2,000-acre layout will be primarily located in 22 villages beyond Whitefield in East Bengaluru, with the remaining part being an extension of the Karanth Layout in North Bengaluru. Notably, some of these villages are also included in the upcoming Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project.

To formally acquire the land, the BDA has established three separate teams, totaling 22 surveyors, to assess the current conditions. The teams are tasked with identifying the vacant land that can be acquired and collecting revenue records, including village maps and boundaries. The BDA has labeled the formation of the new layout as a public-private partnership (PPP) project.

BDA commissioner N Jayaram explained that while the option of cash compensation at Rs 1.30 crore per acre is available to land losers, it is not the most attractive choice. Instead, they are offering 40% of the developed sites (equivalent to 9,583 sq ft for one acre of land) in exchange, valued at Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per sq ft. This means a farmer could potentially earn five times more than they would through cash compensation.

The decision to extend Dr Shivaram Karanth Layout into both the East and Northern parts of Bengaluru was made at a board meeting chaired by N A Harris, who assumed the chairmanship 45 days ago.