Karnataka Housing Board plans 772-acre housing project in Devanahalli

Bengaluru: Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has proposed a 772-acre housing project near Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) in Devanahalli to meet rising residential demand driven by rapid urbanisation and industrial growth in the region. KHB aims to offer residential plots and affordable houses especially for economically weaker sections, with supporting infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sanitation. However, how the move will play out remains to be seen since the govt recently scrapped acquisition of 1,777 acres following protests and intense pressure from farmers who said they would lose fertile land. Officials said KHB plans to acquire 772 acres in five villages— Vishwanathapura, Vajarahalli, Beerasandra, Shanappanahalli, and Managondanahalli — in Kundana hobli of Devanahalli taluk. Documents accessed by TOI shows KHB intends 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 said KHB will soon issue a notification for land acquisition. Dayananda KA, housing commissioner, KHB, said the board would go ahead with the project only after securing public consent. "We will implement the project based on a 50-50 formula," Dayananda said, adding that landowners will receive 50% of the developed land instead of monetary compensation. C Chandregowda, a local resident, said the five villages are located along Satellite Town Ring Road connecting Devanahalli and Doddaballapur, adjacent to the ITIR, where Foxconn has announced a 300-acre iPhone manufacturing facility. He said Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board has already developed over 2,000 acres for ITIR and is extending the Obadenahalli industrial area nearby. "The demand for residential plots in the area has drastically increased and several reputed educational institutes including private universities have built campuses within a stone's throw of ITIR," he said. "There were plots available for Rs 1,500 per square foot before Foxconn started its manufacturing unit. Now, the price has jumped to Rs 6,000 based on the amenities available." Manjunath J, another resident, said KHB's project could help poor families access affordable homes, but added that it would hurt farmers who stand to lose fertile land.