Bidadi Township row: Farmers launch Appiko movement, vow to protect trees

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 28, 2026: Stepping up their opposition to the proposed Bidadi Township project, hundreds of farmers on Sunday launched an ’Appiko’ (tree-hugging) movement, vowing not to part with their agricultural land or allow trees to be felled for the project.

The protest was held near Byramangala in Bengaluru South district, where farmers hugged trees and raised slogans in support of protecting both their land and the environment.

The protesters claimed that nearly 1.5 million trees could be affected if the township project proceeds and accused the government of adopting contradictory environmental policies by promoting afforestation while planning large-scale tree felling.

The agitation marks a new phase in the farmers’ movement against the proposed land acquisition, which has been ongoing for nearly one-and-a-half years. Although earlier protests received limited attention, the issue has regained momentum following renewed discussions on the township proposal.

Farmers marched from Byramangala Junction to the land earmarked for the project, where they embraced trees in a symbolic act of resistance. Many carried placards reading, "Nature is ours, and so is our future," highlighting the need to preserve the region’s green cover.

Addressing the gathering, several farmers criticised the government’s development plans, alleging that lakhs of trees were being sacrificed despite public campaigns promoting tree plantation.

One protester warned that villagers would physically protect the trees if authorities attempted to cut them down. "If they want to cut these trees, they will have to cross us first. We have nurtured these trees for years and will not allow them to be destroyed," he said.

The protesters also reiterated their opposition to land acquisition, asserting that farming is their primary source of livelihood and that they would not surrender their land under any circumstances.

With the launch of the Appiko movement, the farmers said they aim to broaden the campaign beyond land acquisition and draw attention to the environmental impact of the proposed project, insisting that both their livelihoods and the region’s ecological balance are at risk.