In a landmark move aimed at protecting agricultural livelihoods while curbing speculative land use, the state government has designated 1,777 acres across 13 villages in Channarayapatna hobli, Devanahalli, as a Permanent Special Agricultural Zone. The decision is designed to secure the long-term integrity of farmland in a rapidly urbanising belt without imposing any restrictions on landowners’ rights.

The government emphasised that farmers in the notified area retain full freedom to sell, transfer, or continue cultivating their land. The clarification comes amid concerns that the new designation might limit ownership rights. Officials confirmed that farmers can voluntarily sell their land to the government based on valuations determined by the Land Price Determination Committee, but are not obligated to do so. Private transactions also remain fully permissible.

The move marks a strategic shift from earlier plans that had earmarked the region near Devanahalli for an aerospace park. After significant farmer opposition, the acquisition proposal was scrapped and the area was reassessed for its long-term agricultural value. The new classification seeks to prevent real estate-driven misuse of fertile land and to safeguard farmers from predatory development pressures.

The declaration is expected to bring additional benefits to the region, as the government moves to strengthen agricultural infrastructure, improve local productivity, and support the aspirations of farmers who have expressed interest in continuing cultivation. The decision, endorsed in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, positions Devanahalli’s agricultural belt as a protected and strategically supported zone amid rising land demand around Bengaluru.

By ring-fencing prime farmland while guaranteeing farmer autonomy, the Permanent Special Agricultural Zone aims to create a resilient, future-ready agricultural ecosystem that balances development with long-term sustainability.