BBMP looking for land for 250m high sky deck once more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has yet again started looking for land for the  250-metre tall sky deck project as the state government is uninterested in giving the green signal to the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) land at Hemmigepura. 

In July this year, the BBMP had finalised a 25-acre plot owned by the NICE. In November first week, BBMP had invited objections from citizens for this location. According to sources in the BBMP, most citizens have opposed the project calling it unnecessary and asked the palike to spend money on improving the infrastructure instead. However, the BBMP is keen on this project, but land has become a major issue. 

The source in the BBMP said after dropping two land options in the city area, the BBMP had finalised Hemmigepura land. But now, the government has asked it to find another suitable land on the outskirts of the city. The reason for the change was the possible establishment of a second airport in the southern part of Bengaluru. Among other areas, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar is also considering setting up a second airport at Bidadi or Kanakapura and the skydeck will come in the way of the airport. 

The source further pointed out that 10 acres of New Government Electric Factory (NGEF) land near Baiyappanahalli metro station that was identified first was cancelled after learning that the civic body would not get permission from Airport Authority of India (AAI) and defence authorities. 

On the other hand, there were issues with the particular land parcel. The civic body had suggested that the Government of Karnataka acquire the land in a barter system with NICE, by giving NICE another piece of government land in exchange for this particular piece. However, NICE has not shown interest in this proposal. 

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, talking to The Hindu said, “We are now searching for more suitable land on the outskirts of the city.” When asked about the new locations the BBMP is looking at, he did not reveal any details. 

Published - December 17, 2024 07:57 pm IST