Farmers Resist as Haveri Industrial Corridor Expansion Stalls Over Land Dispute

As of August 2, 2025, a land dispute over 68 acres of forest or revenue land is causing significant setbacks for the industrial corridor planned near Ganajur and Koluru villages in Haveri, Karnataka. Despite local farmers cultivating this land for years without proper documentation, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) is unable to provide compensation due to the land's legal classification as forest land.

The issue stems from the fact that while the 68 acres originally belonged to the revenue department, the forest authorities had previously planted saplings there. Residents of Koluru then began cultivating the land without proper ownership documentation. Now, the forest department is asserting its ownership of the land, complicating the industrial corridor project.

The government had previously decided to establish the 407-acre industrial corridor, comprising both government and private land, between Ganajur and Koluru. The first phase of the project, a 200-acre industrial layout contracted to Bengaluru-based SRC Infra, is already 80% complete. However, the second phase of the project is facing resistance from farmers who are claiming cultivation rights over the disputed 68 acres.

Amid this ongoing land dispute, over 125 entrepreneurs have requested land allocation to establish industries near Haveri's district headquarters. Entrepreneur Ramesh Ballari expressed frustration, stating that many individuals waiting to start their businesses are unable to execute their plans due to the unresolved land issues. The KIADB and the Department of Industries and Commerce are now tasked with completing the corridor work and allotting layouts as soon as possible to address the entrepreneurs' concerns.