Bengaluru Farmers protest over delayed compensation for PRR project

Farmers have raised concerns regarding the compensation model set by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) for the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, which has yet to be finalized despite securing a loan from NABARD. This delay has caused ongoing frustrations among farmers, as the compensation process has been stagnant for the past 3-4 years.

The government had promised to initiate work on the project only after providing adequate compensation to farmers who are willing to give up their land. However, the BDA's gradual shift away from this commitment has angered the farmers. There has been a lack of responsiveness on the BDA’s part regarding farmers' suggestions, further complicating the project.

To address these issues, BDA officials have organized meetings in the affected villages to negotiate with farmers. They have proposed a revised compensation model aligned with both the old and new regulations. Recent meetings took place in locations such as Hoskuru, Kogilu, Sulikunte, and Madaanayakanahalli. However, farmers have consistently rejected the authority's proposals. Notably, a meeting scheduled for December 21 in Mavallipura near Yelahanka saw no farmer attendance, as they collectively chose to boycott it.

On September 5, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the PRR project and decided to distribute compensation under the 2013 Act. Yet, recent amendments shifted the focus to the 1894 Act, causing confusion among farmers regarding the compensation criteria. As a result, farmers continue to demand clarity on the compensation formula and express skepticism about the BDA's intentions.