Mysuru: MLC S Yathindra and Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy on Thursday visited the KSIC silk raw reeling unit at T Narsipura to assess the situation following ongoing protests by employees over the acquisition of five acres of land belonging to the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). The land has been taken over by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) for the construction of a sports stadium estimated to cost around Rs 6 crore.

Officials assess ground situation

The visit by the legislator and the district administration came amid mounting concerns raised by employees and environmental groups regarding the proposed stadium project.

Officials toured the factory premises and held discussions with KSIC Managing Director Zehera Naseem, General Manager S K Manjula, and other staff members. The management and employees explained how the five-acre land plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability of the unit.

Following the visit, the Deputy Commissioner said both KSIC and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports have been directed to submit a technical report exploring the feasibility of accommodating both the silk unit’s requirements and the stadium project.

He said the government would take a final decision after examining the report.

Search for alternative land

Officials from the sports department indicated that the stadium project requires a minimum of five acres of land to be constructed. Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Bhaskar Naik said the department is exploring alternative land options for the project.

A feasibility committee has been examining possible sites. If any of these locations meet the minimum criteria required to build a sports stadium, the committee will submit a report to the Deputy Commissioner.

Officials said the report is expected to be submitted by Friday evening.

Employees continue protest

Employees of the KSIC unit have been protesting for more than two weeks, claiming that losing the land would severely affect the functioning and survival of the silk reeling unit.

KSIC Managing Director Zehera Naseem informed employees that the stadium proposal on KSIC land may be reconsidered following discussions with authorities. Based on this assurance, employees agreed to resume production activities.

Workers decided to restart work from Friday between 7.30 am and 4 pm. However, they stated that their protest would continue from 4 pm to 6 pm during overtime hours until the government officially withdraws the proposal to use KSIC land for the stadium.

Environmental groups extend support

Environmental organisations and farmers’ groups have also joined the protest, expressing concern over the possible impact of the project.

Members of Parisara Balaga and representatives of the Raitha Sangha have announced that they will continue demonstrations until the government issues an official order dropping the proposal to construct the stadium on KSIC land.

Parashuramegowda of Parisara Balaga said the protest would continue until the government provides clarity on the issue.

KSIC explains importance of the land

During the inspection of the factory, KSIC officials explained why the five-acre land is crucial for the functioning of the unit.

They informed visiting officials that the land was earmarked for several important facilities including an effluent treatment plant, additional greenery and future expansion of the factory.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had earlier issued a notice on May 2, 2025, and later granted permission for the factory’s operation on February 17 with certain conditions. One of the major requirements was the construction of an effluent treatment plant and increasing green cover on the premises.

Officials explained that the factory currently has around 830 trees across 12 acres and 32 guntas of land, including 552 trees located in the area that has now been acquired. However, under the Industries Act, 1948, the factory must maintain at least 30 per cent green cover.

To meet this requirement, the management had planned to plant about 500 additional trees on the five-acre land.

Operational challenges highlighted

KSIC officials also explained that losing the land would disrupt several key operational facilities.

Nearly half an acre of the coal yard near the boiler area and another half acre used for cinder ash dumping would be affected. In addition, the loss of land would create difficulties for lorries transporting materials to access the coal yard, which could impact the functioning of the factory.

Another major concern is related to water supply. Officials explained that nearly five lakh litres of water are pumped daily from the Kapila River to the factory through an underground pipeline laid in 1912. The pipeline passes through the land that has been acquired for the stadium.

They warned that construction work could damage the pipeline, which would disrupt the water supply essential for factory operations.

The land was also planned to be used for future expansion including an additional boiler, parking area, canteen and a creche for employees.

Government decision awaited

After hearing the concerns raised by the KSIC management and workers, Yathindra questioned why the importance of the land had not been communicated earlier during the acquisition process.

KSIC officials replied that they had already submitted reports explaining the importance of the land and had requested the government to form a technical committee to conduct a scientific survey before acquiring the property.

They also stated that they had approached the Chief Minister earlier regarding the issue and had been assured that the matter would be reviewed.

The district administration has now sought detailed reports from the concerned departments before taking a final call on the matter.

Conclusion

The visit by the legislator and the district administration has brought fresh attention to the concerns surrounding the KSIC unit and the proposed stadium project. While employees have resumed work temporarily, their protest continues until the government issues a final order. The outcome of the technical report and the government’s decision will determine the future of the KSIC land and the proposed sports infrastructure.