Long-Pending Dispute Nears Resolution: Bharathiar University to Hand Over 196 Acres for Farmer Compensation

Coimbatore: Bharathiar University is set to transfer 196.22 acres of land to the Tamil Nadu government to facilitate the settlement of ₹164.28 crore in enhanced compensation to farmers whose lands were acquired for establishing the university.

This would be the second major land transfer by Bharathiar University for another public institution. In October 2016, the university handed over 130 acres to Anna University, Coimbatore, for establishing its regional campus.

Registrar R. Rajavel said the proposed transfer follows a resolution adopted by the university's Syndicate during January–February 2026 and is moving closer to completion. He added that the university has agreed to relinquish the land on the condition that the State government bears the entire financial burden of settling the compensation payable to the affected landowners.

Of the 196.22 acres, approximately 77 acres falling within an elephant corridor are proposed to be handed over to the Forest Department. The remaining land is proposed to be transferred to the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) for establishing non-polluting industries.

However, the transfer can take place only after the affected landowners withdraw their pending appeal suits before the Madras High Court and the Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court, seeking enhanced compensation.

Farmers from Vadavalli and Somayampalayam villages have pursued legal remedies over the compensation awarded for land acquired to establish Bharathiar University. The total land acquisition covered approximately 925.84 acres between 1978 and 1986.

In response to protests by farmers demanding compensation in accordance with sub-court orders or the return of unutilised land, the State government decided during January–February 2026 to obtain a revised enhanced-compensation proposal from the Coimbatore District Collector.

The proposal identifies 196.22 acres of barren land on the northern side of the university campus, adjacent to the Boluvampatti Reserve Forest. According to the proposal, the land lies in the interior of the area and has remained unutilised for several years. It also states that leaving the parcel vacant could expose it to illegal activities, while the public funds invested in the land would remain tied up without productive use.

The proposed transfer is not expected to affect the university's immediate requirements, as its buildings are spread across the campus and suitable vacant land remains available for future expansion. The university currently utilises approximately 415.98 acres of the 925.84 acres originally acquired.

However, the latest proposal has raised concerns among sections of the academic community, who argue that surrendering another substantial portion of the university's land could constrain its long-term expansion.