Minister has assured that KSIC filature factory at T. Narsipura will not be shut, says Pramoda Devi

Minister in-charge of Mysuru district H. C. Mahadevappa has reportedly assured Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family that the KSIC filature factory situated at T. Narsipura will not be shut.

In a statement here on Sunday, Ms. Wadiyar said she met Mr. Mahadevappa after certain sections of the society in Mysuru and Bengaluru expressed their concerns to her regarding the future of the KSIC factory at T. Narsipura in the light of the proposed construction of a stadium.

“I met Mysuru district in-charge Minister H. C. Mahadevappa today. I am pleased to inform that the Hon’ble Minister has responded positively to the sentiments expressed by all concerned and has assured that the KSIC factory at T. Narasipura will not be shut down,” Ms. Wadiyar said in a statement here on Sunday.

While thanking the Minister for the positive response and assurance, Ms. Wadiyar also took the opportunity to “express gratitude and respect to the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, whose vision and patronage were instrumental in the establishment of this silk enterprise”.

It may be mentioned here that the erstwhile Maharaja had established KSIC in 1912. Ms. Wadiyar said Mysore Silk is renowned for its traditional Mysore design sarees and dhotis. “The fact that Mysore Silk has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies its uniqueness and the high quality of the silk produced,” she said.

It is widely known that Mysore Silk stands as a testimony to India’s rich textile heritage. “With its elegance, craftsmanship, uniqueness, and deep historical and cultural significance, Mysore Silk has been passed down as a cherished legacy from one generation to another. As the global fashion industry increasingly shifts towards sustainable and traditional textiles, Mysore Silk has remained at the forefront in preserving its legacy as one of the finest silks in the world, while simultaneously modernising and sustaining its traditional weaving practices,” she said.

Referring to the KSIC filature factory at T. Narsipura, where raw silk is reeled out of cocoons, Ms. Wadiyar also pointed out that the climatic and geographical conditions at T. Narsipura region along with the trees cultivated for the purpose and the availability of adequate flowing water create a highly suitable environment essential for the silk unit. “Any variation in these conditions can affect the quality of the silk,” she cautioned.

Organisations threat

Meanwhile, various organisations opposing the State Government’s move to construct a stadium in the KSIC filature factory’s premises in T. Narispur have threatened to intensify their agitation if the Government does not withdraw its decision by March 15.

Parashuramegowda of Parisarakkagi Naavu, an environmental organisation, said a meeting of representatives of various organisations opposing the stadium project at KSIC filature factory in T. Narsipura, met on March 6 and welcomed Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLC’s assurance given to the protestors that the project will be reviewed on the basis of a technical report in the regard.

The employees of KSIC, who had struck work, would resume duty on the basis of the assurance given by Mr. Yathindra and KSIC Managing Director, but would wear a black band on their forearms till the Government formally announces that the stadium project in the factory premises has been dropped, Mr. Parashuramegowda said.