Environmentalists oppose construction of stadium on filature factory premises in Karnataka

The proposal to construct a stadium on five acres of land in the premises of KSIC filature factory at T Narasipura near Mysuru, in Karnataka, has been opposed by Parisarakkagi Naavu, an environment protection organization.

Representatives of Parasarakkagi Naavu, including Parashurame Gowda, handed over a memorandum addressed to the Deputy Commissioner to restore the land, already transferred for construction of a stadium, to KSIC and identify a suitable alternative site in T. Narasipura for the stadium.

Pointing out that the land transferred to Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports for construction of a stadium in T. Narsipura contains more than 500 trees of various species, many of which are over a hundred years old, Parisarakkagi Naavu emphasised the imperative of conserving every tree and plant as the impact of global warming and climate change were already affecting humans and other living beings.

On the five acres belonging to KSIC, the memorandum stated, a rich eco-system of birds, animals, insects and butterflies exists along with the trees, forming a significant biodiversity habitat. Bird-watchers and environmentalists have recorded more than 40 species of birds and over 10 varieties of butterflies, along with other forms of wildlife in the area, the memorandum stated.

“If a stadium is constructed here, over 500 trees and this valuable ecological system will be destroyed,” the memorandum states

Pointing out that experts had warned that cutting down these trees and destroying biodiversity could even necessitate the closure of the filature factory, Parisarakkagi Naavu said the silk yarn produced in the factory is of superior quality, and is supplied to silk weaving units in Mysuru and Channapatna, where it is used to weave silk sarees. 

“Mysore silk sarees have been accorded GI (Geographical Indication) status and enjoy immense demand. This factory was established in 1912 by Rajarshi Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, and has been running profitably. It also received the Chief Minister’s Gold Medal in the years 2018–19 and 2019–20,” the memorandum states.

“If this factory is shut down, workers and staff will lose their livelihood, and the supply of silk yarn to Mysuru and Channapatna weaving units will cease, adversely affecting the production of silk sarees. This will create serious hardship for employees and workers,” the NGO stated.

“At a time when unemployment is a major concern, depriving workers of their jobs would be highly unjust. Instead of disrupting silk saree production when there is high demand, the factory should be expanded to enhance production,” the environmental organization stated while urging the government of Karnataka to withdraw the proposal to construct a stadium on this land, and take necessary steps to return the already transferred five acres of land to the KSIC filature factory.

Published – February 20, 2026 12:48 pm IST