Farmers oppose proposed second airport in Nelamangala taluk after sketch goes viral, warn of protest

BENGALURU: A sketch, believed to be of the proposed second international airport in Bengaluru’s Nelamangala taluk has sparked widespread protests among local residents. The map showing the proposed airport’s boundaries, which includes nearly 30 villages, has gone viral on social media, causing panic among the villagers with regard to land acquisition.

Authorities have conducted a survey of the land and the proposed airport will reportedly be spread across 6,000 acres in Nelamangala taluk, including the villages of Bhatterahalli, Yentaganahalli, Soladevanahalli and Motaganahalli.

The locals are opposing the proposal, fearing that it will lead to the displacement of hundreds of families and the destruction of fertile agricultural land.

Farmers in the region have been cultivating crops, maintaining orchards and engaging in dairy farming for generations. The proposed airport will allegedly also cover that land where late actress Dr M Leelavathi’s memorial has been built.

Locals have vowed to intensify their protests against the proposed airport, warning of a fierce agitation if their concerns are not addressed.

A local resident said, “We have been living here for many years, our ancestors also lived here. I cultivated a plantation for 4-5 years with a lot of effort. The government is spreading unnecessary news about constructing an airport during the time of harvesting. I have loans to repay. Farmers of this area are not ready to part with their fertile land. We do not want any international airport here in Nelamangala. People of this area are planning to hold a protest against the proposal”.