Farmers Hug Trees in Appiko-Style Protest Against Bidadi Township
Hundreds of farmers gathered near Byramangala in Bengaluru South district on 29 June 2026 to launch an 'Appiko' protest against the proposed Bidadi township project. The demonstrators hugged trees and raised slogans, defending their agricultural land and the local environment. The protest, organized by local farmer unions, drew attention to the potential displacement of families and loss of fertile farmland.
What Is the Appiko Movement?
The Appiko movement is a form of non-violent environmental protest inspired by the Chipko movement of the 1970s. Participants physically embrace trees to prevent their felling. In this case, farmers used the tactic to highlight the ecological value of the trees on the project site. According to protest leader G. Ramesh, 'We will not allow our trees to be cut. This land is our livelihood and our heritage.'
Details of the Bidadi Township Project
The Bidadi township project, proposed by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), aims to develop a large integrated township on approximately 2,500 acres of land across several villages, including Byramangala. The project includes residential, commercial, and industrial zones. However, farmers claim that the acquisition process has been opaque and that compensation offered is inadequate. A farmer named Lakshmamma said, 'They offered us a pittance for our land. We have no other skills; farming is all we know.'
Impact and Next Steps
The protest has garnered support from environmental activists and opposition parties. The state government has not yet responded officially, but sources indicate that talks may be held with farmer representatives. The protest is expected to continue until the government addresses the farmers' demands for fair compensation and a review of the project's environmental impact. According to a local environmental group, the area is home to several species of birds and native trees that would be lost if the project proceeds as planned.
