The Greater Bengaluru Development Authority (GBDA), formerly known as the Bidadi Smart City Planning Authority, has issued a preliminary notification to acquire over 7,000 acres of land for the ambitious Bidadi Township Project. The project, estimated to cost ₹13,000 crore, aims to develop a modern township with a work- live-play model. Operating under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA), the GBDA issued the notification on Wednesday to acquire 7,293.44 acres across nine villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks of Ramanagara district. Sources indicate that the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) has assured financial support for the project. The plan, originally conceived in 2006 during H.D. Kumaraswamy’s tenure as Chief Minister, gained momentum after Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar took charge. Compensation and rehabilitation The compensation will be determined under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner of Ramanagara district has been tasked with overseeing rehabilitation and settlement matters. However, GBDA is planning to offer compensation under a 60:40 ratio for cash compensation and developed land. A senior BMRDA official stated that the GBDA has set a one-year deadline for settling monetary compensation for landowners and a three-year period for providing compensation in the form of developed land. The Bidadi Township Project, also referred to as the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township Project, is expected to involve minimal rehabilitation. The region has about 27 habitations, most of which will remain unaffected. However, some residents are seeking relocation to areas with better infrastructure. To ensure a smooth compensation process, the GBDA has digitized over 4,000 property records. Affected landowners need to only submit family tree documents and ownership deeds to claim compensation. Gowtham Gowda, one of the affected landowners, stated that farmers with interior landholdings are generally willing to part with their land, but opposition has emerged from landowners with parcels near main roads. The government has provided a one-month window for filing objections. Work-Live-Play Model The township will follow a work-live-play model, integrating industries, premium residential complexes, large parks, and recreational spaces. An estimated 1,100 acres—approximately 15% of the acquired land—will be allocated for parks and open spaces. The GBDA also plans to construct an international cricket stadium similar to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Additionally, Mr. Shivakumar has directed the authority to incorporate sporting facilities modeled after Olympic villages. On the industrial front, the township will house multiple industry parks, with a particular focus on service industries. A global company has reportedly approached the GBDA to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Park. The authority aims to collaborate with international organizations to develop specialized industry zones. Several parks will be developed, and the 1,000-acre Byrasandra Lake—currently polluted due to untreated sewage inflow from Kengeri—will be rejuvenated. Plans are also in place to integrate the township with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) network for water supply and sewage lines. To enhance connectivity, the GBDA intends to link the township with key road networks, including the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Road and the proposed Satellite Town Ring Road.