India, Feb. 14 -- In 2016, under the leadership of then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, rules were framed prohibiting any change in the Special Agricultural Zone around Chamundi Hill until 2031.

The rule only permits limited activities in the zone, such as construction of a 'single house,' an orphanage or an educational institution and does not allow conversion for residential layouts.

MDA published an advertisement dated July 14, 2025, mentioning the conversion of 4 acres and 27 guntas of land in the name of sitting MLC Madhu G. Madegowda from the 'Special Agricultural Zone' to a residential zone.

The MDA Commissioner should have clarified that such a recommendation cannot be made, but he did not and he went ahead. This he did because he...