Bidadi farmers seek Gen Z support as protest against township project crosses 500 days

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jul 29, 2026: Farmers protesting at the proposed Bidadi township project have launched a new campaign to draw support from young people, students and tech professionals.

As their agitation crossed 500 days, members of the Bidadi Rytha Horata began distributing pamphlets titled "Gen Z Rytha Makkale, Nimma Samaya Ega Bandide!’ (Gen Z Farmers’ Children, Your Time Has Come!), urging the younger generation to join the movement and raise awareness about the issue.

The protesters said the project would affect thousands of acres of fertile farmland and a large number of trees. "We have been fighting for more than 500 days to protect our ancestral land. Around 9,600 acres of fertile farmland and over 10 lakh trees are at risk. If this land is lost, Bengaluru will lose an important green belt," said Bharath, a young farmer.

The pamphlet also reminds young people that many professionals, including engineers and doctors, come from farming families and stresses the importance of protecting agricultural land for future food security. The farmers expressed concern over plans to develop an AI City and data centres on the proposed land, saying such projects would require large amounts of water.

They argued that with Karnataka already facing water shortages in many areas, diverting water for large projects could affect farming and peoples’ livelihood. The protesters also warned that losing farmland close to Bengaluru could impact the city’s food supply and environment.

The protesters urged students, social media influencers and content creators to spread awareness about the land acquisition through online platforms. They said the movement is non-political and appealed to people across Karnataka to support their campaign to protect farmland, water resources and the environment.