KSIC filature factory at T Narasipura near Mysuru will not be shut down: Karnataka Minister

Minister in-charge of Mysuru district H. C. Mahadevappa categorically stated that the KSIC Filature Factory at T. Narasipur will not be shut down amid speculation over a proposal to construct a stadium on a portion of its land.

Addressing reporters in Mysuru on March 2, the Minister clarified that smooth functioning of the factory, which supplies raw silk to weaving units and also for the production of the famous Mysuru Silk sarees, and continued silk production remain the top priority of the government of Karnataka, and not the proposed sports facility.

“The proposed stadium is not a prestige issue for the government of Karnataka. If it cannot be constructed there, alternative sites can be explored. There is no intention to disrupt operations at the factory or affect workers,” he said, adding that the issue is being wrongly interpreted and politicised.

This is the first detailed response from Dr. Mahadevappa, who is also the MLA for T. Narasipur, following the controversy surrounding the proposal to construct a stadium on KSIC factory land. He emphasised that no decision has been taken regarding the sports facility, and that the government had never made any announcement of a plan to close the factory.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (centre) receiving a memorandum from Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar (3rd from right) who urged dropping the plan to construct a stadium on KSIC filature factory land in T. Narasipura.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Referring to concerns raised by stakeholders, he said Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and submitted a memorandum seeking protection for the factory.

“We assure that silk production will not be affected. The silk from Mysuru has global recognition. There is no question of its closure. In fact, Mr. Siddaramaiah has consistently supported the growth of sericulture during his tenure,” the Minister said.

The Minister said the KSIC Managing Director and the Secretary of the Sericulture Department recently briefed him on the matter. Of the 14 acres of factory land, 3.5 acres had been earmarked for a silk market, which has not materialised. The proposed sports facility is said to require only 1.5 acres.

Dr. Mahadevappa added that he has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru to conduct a joint site inspection along with officials from the Sericulture, Youth Empowerment and Sports departments. A final decision will be taken after a detailed examination of the proposal. “If the proposal affects the factory, its operations, or its workers in any way, alternatives will be explored,” he assured.

Workers of the KSIC Filature Factory are on an indefinite strike demanding that the unit be safeguarded, and its operations protected.

NGOs, activists, and members of various organisations have also staged protests, urging the government of Karnataka not to construct the proposed stadium at the cost of the KSIC factory. They have called for complete withdrawal of the plan to utilise factory land for a sports facility.

Mr. Wadiyar and former MP Pratap Simha have also demanded that the factory land should not be used for the stadium project, stressing the need to protect the historic silk unit, and safeguard the interests of its workers.

Published – March 02, 2026 05:01 pm IST