Karnataka seeks defence land for seven Bengaluru infrastructure projects

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to help expedite clearances and provide land for seven urban infrastructure projects in Bengaluru. At a meeting in Delhi, Shivakumar proposed developing a 730-acre public park and open space near the Iblur Firing Range.

The proposal excludes commercial development and would leave ownership of the land with defence authorities. He also sought a solution for 10 notified slums occupying about 43.83 acres of defence land. The State proposed transferring government land of equivalent area elsewhere, while noting difficulties in finding land of equal value within Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister requested urgent permission to repair and redevelop the slum areas, which have been affected by flooding during the monsoon. Karnataka also sought a review of height restrictions within 20km of HAL airport and Yelahanka Air Force Station, proposing that mandatory no-objection certificates apply within 15km of the aerodrome reference point. For traffic relief, the State requested defence land for a 24-metre road linking Lower Agaram Road near the Government Hospital to Sarjapur Road through Ejipura Junction.

The project has already been tendered and awarded, according to the supplied material. Other requests include 2.039 acres for a ramp connected to the proposed Bengaluru Urban Vehicular Twin Tunnel, permission for the tunnel to pass beneath defence areas near Mehkri Circle, and land for roads linking Ballari Road with Sarovara Layout. The State also sought land for widening a road near Mehkri Circle from two lanes to three.