Mysuru: Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has welcomed the state government’s decision to drop the proposed stadium project at the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) filature factory premises in T. Narasipura.
He described the decision as good news for admirers of the world-famous Mysore silks and said it marked a significant victory for those who had opposed the project.
Government announces withdrawal of stadium plan
The MP was reacting to the announcement made by Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh in the Legislative Assembly that the proposed stadium construction at the KSIC filature factory premises had been dropped.
The government’s decision followed protests and concerns raised by workers and various organisations regarding the possible impact of the project on the silk industry and the environment.
Welcoming the move, Wadiyar said the decision reflected the effectiveness of the collective efforts made by workers and supporters who had voiced their opposition to the project.
Support extended to workers’ protest
Wadiyar said that several BJP leaders had joined the protest organised by workers of the silk unit when the proposal to construct a stadium at the site was announced.
He stated that he had personally taken part in the protest to extend his moral support to the workers who feared that the project could affect their livelihoods.
“Several BJP leaders, including myself, participated in the protest organised by the workers. The government’s decision to withdraw the project is therefore welcome,” he said.
The MP added that the concerns raised by workers and stakeholders played a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue.
Appeal made to Chief Minister
Wadiyar also revealed that he had met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally to request the government to reconsider the proposal.
During the meeting, he had submitted a representation urging the government to abandon the stadium project in order to safeguard the interests of workers and protect the heritage associated with Mysore silk production.
He said the appeal was based on concerns expressed by workers, environmentalists and industry supporters who believed that the project could negatively affect the functioning of the silk unit.
Concerns over workers’ livelihoods
According to Wadiyar, if the stadium had been constructed at the KSIC premises, the livelihoods of hundreds of workers employed at the filature factory could have been affected.
The filature factory plays an important role in the silk industry associated with the iconic Mysore silk brand, which has earned national and international recognition over the years.
He noted that protecting such institutions was important not only for preserving traditional industries but also for ensuring continued employment for workers who depend on them.
Environmental concerns raised
Apart from the concerns related to employment, environmental issues were also raised during the protests against the proposed stadium project.
Wadiyar said that more than 500 trees located within the premises could have been cut down if the stadium had been constructed at the site.
Environmentalists and several organisations had also voiced their opposition to the project, highlighting the need to protect green spaces in the area.
Collective effort behind decision
The MP stated that the withdrawal of the project was the result of sustained efforts by various groups, including workers, public representatives, environmental activists and social organisations.
He said the united stand taken by the workers and supporters helped draw the attention of the authorities to the potential consequences of the project.
Wadiyar expressed his appreciation to everyone who supported the movement and contributed to the outcome.
“I express my personal gratitude to all those who directly and indirectly supported the struggle against the stadium proposal,” he said.
The decision to drop the project has been welcomed by workers and supporters of the silk industry, who believe it will help preserve both livelihoods and the legacy associated with Mysore silk production.