Farmers oppose acquisition of land for HAL expansion at Gubbi in Tumakuru district
Farmers in Tumakuru district are protesting against the proposed acquisition of 400 acres of land for the expansion of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) helicopter facility. Local representatives argue that previous land acquisitions failed to provide promised benefits and employment to affected families.
Why it matters
This conflict illustrates the ongoing tension between industrial development and the protection of agricultural livelihoods in India.
After the Bidadi township project in Bengaluru South district triggered protests by farmers, an agitation has emerged in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district against the proposed acquisition of land for the expansion of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) helicopter manufacturing facility.
About a decade ago, the State government acquired over 600 acres at Bidarehalla Kaval in Gubbi taluk for HAL’s helicopter manufacturing complex, which houses production, testing, and other manufacturing facilities. The facility was inaugurated in 2023.
HAL has now sought an additional 400 acres for expanding the unit. The State government has directed the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to identify suitable land for the project.
Following a survey, KIADB identified around 457 acres adjoining the existing HAL facility and submitted its proposal to the government. The identified land includes about 146 acres of agricultural land belonging to local farmers.
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