Mysuru: The protest by workers of the raw silk yarn reeling unit of Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) at T. Narasipur in Mysuru district has entered its 14th day, with employees expressing concern over the proposed acquisition of factory land for the construction of a stadium.
A total of 190 staff members, including 176 outsourced employees, have been staging a protest with loss of pay, alleging that the move to take over land belonging to the KSIC unit could disrupt operations and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of workers.
Members of Parisara Balaga, who have joined the protest in support of the workers, complained that neither officials from the taluk administration nor representatives of the district administration or the state government have visited the site to assess the situation on the ground.
Workers oppose land acquisition for stadium
The controversy centres on a proposal by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to build a stadium at T. Narasipur by acquiring a portion of land belonging to the KSIC unit.
According to reports, the proposed project involves constructing a stadium estimated to cost about ₹6 crore on approximately 5 acres of land.
However, workers and activists claim that the land earmarked for the project forms part of the operational and environmental infrastructure of the factory, and its acquisition could severely affect the functioning of the unit.
The workers fear that losing critical sections of land within the factory premises could disrupt several essential facilities and ultimately jeopardise the future of the Mysuru silk industry.
Dispute over cocoon market land
Officials from the Mysuru district administration have reportedly maintained that the stadium would be constructed only on unused land belonging to the cocoon market under the Department of Sericulture.
However, documents available with local sources suggest that the cocoon market area measures only about 29 guntas (approximately 183 ft by 40 ft), which workers argue would be insufficient for building a stadium.
Sources within KSIC said that the corporation had originally given this 29 guntas of land to the Sericulture Department on February 4, 1976. As the land remained unused for many years, the revenue records (RTC) were reportedly changed back to the name of KSIC during 2024–25.
Workers argue that the proposed stadium therefore requires additional land from the KSIC premises beyond the cocoon market area.
Concerns over factory operations
Employees at the T. Narasipur filature unit said the plant processes between two and three tonnes of cocoons per day, producing approximately 250 to 300 kg of silk yarn daily.
This yarn is then supplied to KSIC weaving units in Mysuru and Channapatna, where it is used to produce the renowned Mysore Silk sarees.
Officials have indicated that workers at the Mysuru and Channapatna units have resumed weaving activities and are currently producing a limited number of sarees. However, the available stock of silk yarn could run out within a week if operations at the T. Narasipur filature unit do not resume soon.
Managing Director Zehra Naseem warned that prolonged disruption in yarn production could affect weaving operations in other KSIC units as well.
Environmental compliance issues raised
Another major concern highlighted by workers relates to compliance with environmental regulations.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had earlier issued a notice to KSIC for not having an effluent treatment plant (ETP) at the factory.
Workers claim that the land proposed for acquisition includes the area where the ETP was planned to be constructed. If the land is taken over, they argue, the factory may not be able to meet environmental requirements.
Additionally, the KSPCB has reportedly pointed out that the existing green belt on the factory premises—comprising about 830 trees across 12 acres and 32 guntas—is not sufficient, as industries are required to maintain at least 30 per cent green cover under provisions linked to the Factories Act, 1948.
KSIC had reportedly planned to plant around 500 more trees on about three acres of land to meet these norms. Workers say that this land has now been included in the proposed stadium project.
Risk to infrastructure and water supply
Employees have also expressed concern that the land acquisition could affect essential infrastructure within the factory.
According to them, the proposed project could result in the loss of half an acre used as a coal yard near the boiler area, as well as a cinder ash dumping yard.
Workers say that the acquisition could also block access for lorries transporting coal to the factory, making operations difficult.
Another critical concern relates to a pipeline that supplies approximately 5 lakh litres of water daily from the Kapila River to the factory. The underground pipeline, originally laid in 1912, passes through the area proposed for acquisition.
Employees fear that if this pipeline is affected, the factory may face severe operational challenges due to lack of water supply.
Political statements add to uncertainty
The issue gained further attention after Yathindra Siddaramaiah stated that the proposed stadium project would be developed on KSIC land acquired by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.
This statement reportedly heightened anxiety among workers, who fear that the project may proceed despite their concerns.
However, Mysuru district in-charge minister H. C. Mahadevappa has stated that the stadium would be constructed only after ensuring that the land acquisition does not adversely affect KSIC operations.
Workers fear impact on Mysore Silk brand
Employees and activists warn that if the filature unit becomes dysfunctional due to loss of land and infrastructure, it could lead to closure of related KSIC units as well.
They estimate that around 1,092 employees working across the three units could lose their jobs if operations are disrupted.
Workers have also expressed concern that such a development could eventually affect the legacy of the Mysore Silk brand, which has been associated with Karnataka’s silk industry for decades.
Conclusion
With the protest entering its second week, workers continue to demand that the government reconsider the land acquisition proposal and hold discussions with stakeholders before proceeding further.
They have urged the authorities to ensure that any development project does not compromise the functioning of the KSIC unit or threaten the livelihoods of employees associated with the silk industry.