The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has put forward a proposal for a housing project spanning 772 acres in proximity to the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) in Devanahalli, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for residential spaces due to swift urbanization and industrial expansion in the area.
KHB’s objective is to provide residential plots and affordable housing, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups, along with essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sanitation facilities. Nonetheless, the outcome of this initiative remains uncertain, as the government recently abandoned the acquisition of 1,777 acres following protests and significant pressure from farmers who expressed concerns about losing fertile land.
Officials indicated that KHB intends to acquire 772 acres across five villages—Vishwanathapura, Vajarahalli, Beerasandra, Shanappanahalli, and Managondanahalli—in Kundana hobli of Devanahalli taluk.
Documents obtained reveal that KHB plans to acquire 410 acres and 13 guntas in Vishwanathapura, 42 acres and 20 guntas in Vajarahalli, 59 acres and 22 guntas in Beerasandra, 83 acres and 23 guntas in Shanappanahalli, and 177 acres and 12 guntas in Managondanahalli. Officials stated that KHB will soon release a notification regarding land acquisition.
Dayananda KA, the housing commissioner of KHB, mentioned that the board would proceed with the project only after obtaining public approval. “We will implement the project based on a 50-50 formula,” Dayananda stated, noting that landowners would receive 50% of the developed land rather than monetary compensation.
C Chandregowda, a local resident, pointed out that the five villages are situated along the Satellite Town Ring Road, which connects Devanahalli and Doddaballapur, adjacent to the ITIR, where Foxconn has announced plans for a 300-acre iPhone manufacturing facility. He added that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board has already developed over 2,000 acres for ITIR and is expanding the Obadenahalli industrial area nearby.
