Governor Gehlot Asks Karnataka to Recover Unused NICE Land for Bidadi Project

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has issued a notice seeking an Action Taken Report from the state government regarding the cancellation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC)-NICE project and the recovery of approximately 6,757 acres of unutilised government land. The Governor suggested using this land for the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) at Bidadi to minimise the compulsory acquisition of private agricultural land and prevent farmer displacement.

The notice, issued to the state government on Thursday, pointed out that out of the total government land originally granted for the BMIC project, only around 376 acres was utilised for the Peripheral Road, Link Road, and associated infrastructure. The remaining 6,757 acres reportedly remains unused and may currently be held by NICEL, NECEL, or other private entities without lawful authority.

Governor Gehlot linked the recovery of the BMIC land directly to the planned Bidadi township project, where the state is currently looking to acquire around 7,431 acres across nine villages. The notice highlighted that the agricultural land marked for the township supports extensive farming and allied activities, including approximately 5,03,915 fruit-bearing trees, 840 acres of cultivable agricultural land, 501 acres of mulberry cultivation supporting hundreds of silk farmers, 8,412 livestock, and annual milk production of about 49,42,047 litres. The area also houses social-forestry plantations comprising roughly 12,400 trees.

By repurposing the recovered government land for the Bidadi project, the Governor noted that the state could safeguard productive agricultural and horticultural resources, reduce hardship and displacement for farming communities, and curtail acquisition-related litigation and public expenditure.

The communication referred to Karnataka High Court orders dated January 9 and July 29, which affirmed that land currently in the possession of NICE may lawfully be recovered. The Governor stated that issues raised in petitions submitted on behalf of farmers by Abraham TJ, president of the Anti-Corruption and Environmental Forum, were of serious concern and forwarded them to the state government for examination, lawful action, and an early Action Taken Report.