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Karnataka Govt Shelves International Flower Market Project at GKVK After Rising Protests
The Karnataka government has officially withdrawn its plan to build an international flower market on the GKVK (Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra) campus, following strong pushback from students, environmentalists, farmers, and local residents.
The proposal aimed to promote floriculture and boost export potential. However, concerns around land encroachment, ecological degradation, and educational disruption led to widespread agitations across Bengaluru.
With the announcement, the government confirmed that the land at GKVK will remain with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), protecting its research ecosystem and green cover.
Why the Proposal Faced Opposition
1. Risk to Agricultural Research Land
GKVK is one of India's premier agricultural research hubs. Opponents argued that allocating its land for commercial activities would severely hamper long-term research on crops, sustainable farming, and climate resilience.
2. Environmental Concerns
The GKVK belt is a critical green zone in Bengaluru. Citizens feared that the construction of a large-scale market would threaten biodiversity, tree cover, and groundwater reserves.
3. Student and Faculty Resistance
UAS faculty and students held demonstrations stating that the project would compromise their academic environment and restrict campus movement.
4. Public Outrage and Protests
Activist groups organized peaceful marches, demanding protection of public land. Social media campaigns amplified the issue, making it a state-level debate.
Government’s Final Decision
After evaluating the backlash and concerns raised by multiple stakeholders, the Karnataka government scrapped the project. Officials stated that the land will not be diverted and assured that any future market initiatives will consider environmental and academic sensitivities.
This decision was widely welcomed as a victory for civic activism.
Impact on Farmers and Floriculture Sector
While farmers initially expected improved infrastructure from the proposed international market, the withdrawal has shifted focus toward alternatives:
Upgrading existing APMC flower markets
Supporting small farmers through digital platforms
Enhancing export channels without land diversion
The government hinted at exploring decentralized facilities across districts instead of concentrating activity at GKVK.
FAQs
1. Why did the Karnataka government cancel the international flower market plan?
Due to public protests, environmental concerns, and objections from UAS students and faculty, the government withdrew the proposal.
2. What was the purpose of the proposed international flower market?
The project aimed to improve floriculture exports and provide advanced facilities for farmers.
3. Will farmers lose benefits after the cancellation?
No. The government plans to explore alternative locations and improve existing APMC flower markets.
4. What happens to the GKVK land now?
It remains with the University of Agricultural Sciences for academic and research purposes.
5. How can Finance support floriculture farmers?
Finance offers accessible loans, digital tools, and working capital solutions to help farmers expand without depending solely on government infrastructure.
source credit : Mohammed Yacoob
Published on : 25th November
Published by : RAHAMATH
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