Karnataka’s Mysuru district in-charge Minister H. C. Mahadevappa has assured that the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) filature factory at T. Narasipura will not be shut down, amid growing concerns over a proposed stadium project at the site.
The assurance was conveyed to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, who had raised the issue following concerns expressed by various groups in Mysuru and Bengaluru regarding the future of the facility.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Wadiyar said she had met the minister to discuss the matter after several sections of society approached her about the potential impact of the proposed stadium construction on the silk unit.
She stated that Mahadevappa had responded positively to the sentiments expressed by stakeholders and had assured her that the KSIC factory at T. Narasipura would not be shut down.
Wadiyar thanked the minister for the assurance and also acknowledged the historical legacy behind the silk enterprise. She stated that the establishment of the silk industry was made possible by the vision and patronage of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, under whose reign KSIC was founded in 1912.
She further noted that Mysore Silk is globally known for its traditional sarees and dhotis bearing distinctive Mysore designs. According to her, the Geographical Indication (GI) tag granted to Mysore Silk certifies its uniqueness and the high quality of silk produced in the region.
Wadiyar said Mysore Silk remains a symbol of India’s rich textile heritage, characterised by its craftsmanship, elegance and historical significance. She added that the textile has been passed down as a cherished legacy across generations and continues to retain its importance even as the global fashion industry increasingly turns towards sustainable and traditional textiles.
Referring to the KSIC filature factory at T. Narasipura—where raw silk is reeled from cocoons—Wadiyar highlighted the importance of the region’s natural environment for silk production. She stated that the climatic and geographical conditions of the area, along with the availability of suitable trees and adequate flowing water, create an ideal ecosystem for the operation of the silk unit. Any alteration in these conditions, she warned, could affect the quality of the silk produced.
Meanwhile, several organisations opposing the proposed stadium project at the KSIC filature factory premises have threatened to intensify their protests if the State government does not withdraw the plan by 15th March.
Parashuramegowda of the environmental organisation Parisarakkagi Naavu said representatives of various groups opposing the project had met on 6 March and welcomed assurances from Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Member of the Legislative Council, that the project would be reviewed based on a technical report.
He added that KSIC employees who had earlier gone on strike would resume work following the assurances given by Yathindra Siddaramaiah and the KSIC Managing Director. However, the employees would continue to wear black armbands as a mark of protest until the government formally announces that the stadium project within the factory premises has been dropped.
