BBMP estimated the Sky Deck project cost at Rs 500 crore, to be funded by the civic body using internal resources. The project in Hemmigepura did not receive consensus. BBMP had also identified a vacant plot in Kommaghatta, connected to NICE Road in the western part of the city, as an alternative location.

BBMP planned to build a sky deck in the CBD near Baiyappanahalli metro station on NGEF land or KSDL land, but could not get permission from Airport Authority of India and defence authorities. BBMP then identified a 25-acre plot at Hemmigepura along NICE road, owned by NICE, which the Urban Development Department asked the promoter to hand over free of cost.

Government is identifying land for a second airport near Bidadi or Kanakapura in south Bengaluru. A 250-metre structure at Hemmigepura may hinder airport setup if it comes in the flight path, according to aviation expert Devesh Agarwal. The airport is economically significant and the sky deck would need to be relocated if airport land is finalised.

Public feedback from 134 respondents in Hemmigepura ward: 54.5% support the sky deck, 30.6% oppose it citing traffic and environmental concerns, 14.9% neutral. Among supporters, 76% believe it will boost tourism and local economy. Among concerns: 64% worried about traffic increase.

BBMP identified Hemmigepura, near NICE Clover Leaf in southwest Bengaluru, as the preliminary location for constructing a 250m-high skydeck after evaluating multiple locations.

• Karnataka High Court upheld acquisition of land parcels in Hemmigepura and Ganakallu villages of Kengeri hobli for the Banashankari VI Stage project in Bengaluru.
• The division bench of Justices DK Singh and S Rachaiah reversed the single bench order dated 27 Jan 2025.
• The court said that once land is acquired by the state government free from encumbrances, there was no ground to quash the acquisition.
• It called the petition a gross abuse of the process of the court.
• The court imposed costs of Rs 50,000 on the landowners; the amount will go to the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund.
• Preliminary notification: 15 Nov 2000.
• Final notification: 21 Aug 2001.
• The landowners challenged the acquisition in 2022.
• A similar challenge filed in 2019 had already been dismissed, according to BDA.
• Preliminary notification covered 2,138 acres 4 guntas.
• The government approved the scheme for 1,598 acres 2 guntas.
• The petitioners admitted BDA had taken possession of 1,203 acres 18.5 guntas.
• The court said there could not be partial taking of possession and noted substantial implementation of the scheme, including development of sites, roads, parks and public amenities.

State Government has shifted Skydeck construction to BDA area of Kempegowda Layout after facing environmental opposition to the original Bangalore University campus site. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said regulations require the site to be at least 20 km from the airport, which caused challenges at the initial Hemmigepura location. BBMP previously considered multiple sites including Mysore Sandal Soap Factory, NGEF, Racecourse, Majestic, KTPO Whitefield, GKVK, and NICE Road, each facing aviation regulations, environmental objections, or public resistance. Project budget doubled from Rs 250 crore to Rs 500 crore. DCM visited New York and envisioned similar landmark for Bengaluru. Project intended to enhance tourism and attract investments. Citizens and experts have voiced opposition.