Will Karnataka industries be lost over land issues? Minister Patil responds amid Andhra invite row.

Bengaluru, July 16 (NationPress) In response to the invitation extended by Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh to the aerospace sector, following the Karnataka government's choice to retract the acquisition of 1,777 acres of land close to Bengaluru airport intended for an Aerospace Park, Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil asserted that no industry will exit the state due to land constraints.

Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Minister Patil stated, "I will engage with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh at the right moment. He seems to believe he can take advantage of our situation. However, our environment is stable."

Karnataka holds 65 percent of the national share in the aerospace and defence industries. On a global scale, Karnataka and Bengaluru boast the third-largest aerospace ecosystem. “No industry will leave Karnataka because of land scarcity. I will ensure that not a single industry departs,” he emphasized.

The minister further noted that this assurance extends beyond aerospace and defence to all industrial sectors. "We possess adequate land. There is no reason for distress or worry regarding this matter,” Patil remarked.

“We also have land available in the Devanahalli region. No enterprises from Karnataka will relocate due to an invitation from Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh. The government is committed to prioritizing land and water resources for industries, not only in Bengaluru but throughout North Karnataka. The state has allocated Rs 3,000 crore to guarantee water availability for industrial purposes,” he declared.

“Land will be accessible to industrialists wherever required. I want to make this very clear,” he reiterated. “I am also addressing Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh on the social media platform X,” he added.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara also weighed in on the situation on Wednesday in Bengaluru, mentioning that it’s a competitive landscape. He pointed out that Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh is situated near Bengaluru International Airport, similar to Hosur in Tamil Nadu, where the Tamil Nadu government has proposed the construction of an international airport to lure industries from Bengaluru.

“KIA Motors shifted to another state. Here, in Devanahalli, farmers protested for three to four years against land acquisition. CM Siddaramaiah has now declared the withdrawal of plans to acquire 1,777 acres. Nevertheless, neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with arid lands in Hindupur and Hosur respectively, are making strides to attract industries,” Parameshwara noted.

Following the announcement of the cancellation of land acquisition for the Aerospace Park by the Karnataka government, in a bid to attract the aerospace sector, Lokesh stated that Andhra Pradesh offers an appealing aerospace policy with "best-in-class incentives" and over "8000 acres of ready-to-use land".

"Dear aerospace industry, I'm sorry to learn about this. I propose a better option for you. Why not consider Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an enticing aerospace policy for you, complete with top-notch incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-utilize land (just outside Bengaluru)! I look forward to seeing you soon to discuss further," Nara Lokesh mentioned in a post on X.