Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has formally communicated his apprehensions to the state's Chief Secretary, Shalini Rajneesh, regarding two significant infrastructure projects: the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC), also known as the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) project, and the proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) at Bidadi. The Governor's letter, dated August 13, 2026, follows detailed representations received from social activist Abraham T. J. and the Farmers' Welfare Association of Bairamangala and Kunchagaranahalli Panchayats.
The core of the concern revolves around the alleged underutilization of approximately 6,757 acres of government land originally allocated for the BMIC project. Petitioners claim that while around 376 acres were used for roads and related infrastructure, a substantial portion remains under the control of private entities without lawful authority. Simultaneously, the proposed GBIT-Bidadi project intends to acquire approximately 7,431 acres across nine villages, which are currently vital for agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, and dairy farming.
Farmers and activists argue that this land acquisition could displace numerous families, impact over 500,000 fruit-bearing trees, affect annual milk production, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of silk farmers and livestock owners. Governor Gehlot has urged the Chief Secretary to examine these issues thoroughly, take appropriate action in accordance with the law, and submit an action taken report promptly. The Governor has also referred to earlier Karnataka High Court observations that termed the long-delayed BMIC project as potentially 'one of the biggest scams in the state.'
