Karnataka may rework land allotment to Posco at Gadag

In the wake of the opposition to land acquisition for various industries in Gadag, the district in-charge Minister, Mr C. C. Patil, has called a meeting of the elected representatives to discuss the issue with farmers. Meanwhile, the State Government is keenly watching the developments at Gadag to formulate its future course of action.

According to an official of the Industries Department, “the State Government may rework land allotment in the region, thereby, minimising the loss to the farmers.”

The Minister has said there will be no forced acquisition of land in the district.

“The possibility of sparing irrigated land from being acquired is being explored,” said Mr Patil.

The Karnataka Government has notified a total of 7,189 acres for acquisition for three mega projects in the north Karnataka region.

An extent of 3,382 acres in Halligudi has been proposed to be acquired for Korean steel giant Posco; 3,000 acres for SR Groups' steel plant in Jantlishirur; and 800 acres in Mevundi for Aadhunik Metallics' gas-based power plant.

The farmers in Halligudi have taken a decision not to part with their lands as they fear that such acquisition would deprive them of their livelihood. They contend that although jowar, wheat and groundnut were being grown in the area, the officials were still labelling them as dry lands.

Meanwhile, Tontada Siddhalinga Swami of Gadag held a meeting in Halligudi village on Wednesday against land acquisition. The seer appealed to the farmers not to sell their lands. The meeting at Halligudi village was attended by a few activists from Davanagere, who have extended their support to the cause.

On Tuesday, the Swamiji had held a similar meeting of farmers at Jantlishirur village in Mundaragi taluk, where he launch a movement against the land acquisition process by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board for South Korean giant Posco and two other companies.

Participating in the meeting, activists from Tumkur, Bangalore, and other areas explained the perils of losing their lands and also assured them of their support in their fight against the Government.