The KSIC spinning mill at T. Narsipur supplies raw silk to the weaving mill at Channapatna and for the production of the famous Mysore silk sarees to the factory at Mysore. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
The minister in-charge of Mysuru region HC Mahadevappa has reportedly assured Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the former Mysuru royal family that the KSIC filature factory located at T. Narsipura will not be closed.
In a statement here on Sunday, Ms. Wadiyar said she met Mr. Mahadevappa after certain sections of society in Mysuru and Bengaluru expressed their concerns about the future of the KSIC factory at T. Narsipura in light of the proposed stadium construction.
“I met Mysuru District Chief Minister HC Mahadevappa today. I am pleased to inform that the Hon’ble Minister has responded positively to the sentiments expressed by all concerned and assured that the KSIC plant at T. Narasipura will not be closed,” 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 her gratitude and respect to the former Maharaja of Mysore Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, whose vision and patronage were instrumental in establishing this silk enterprise”.
It may be mentioned here that the erstwhile Maharaja founded KSIC in 1912. Ms. Wadiyar said that Mysore Silk is famous for its traditional Mysore designer sarees and dhotis. “The fact that Mysore Silk has received the Geographical Indication (GI) label is a testament to its uniqueness and the high quality of the silk produced,” she said.
It is widely known that Mysore Silk is a testimony to the rich textile heritage of India. “With its elegance, craftsmanship, uniqueness and deep historical and cultural significance, Mysore Silk has been passed down as a cherished heirloom from one generation to the next. As the global fashion industry increasingly shifts towards sustainable and traditional textiles, Mysore Silk remains at the forefront of preserving its legacy as one of the finest silks in the world,” she said, while modernizing and maintaining its traditional practices.
Referring to KSIC’s filature factory at T. Narsipura, where raw silk is reeled from cocoons, Ms. Wadiyar also pointed out that the climatic and geographical conditions of the T. Narsipura region along with the trees grown for the purpose and the availability of adequate running water create a very suitable environment necessary for a silk unit. “Any changes in these conditions can affect the quality of the silk,” she warned.
Threats to organizations
Meanwhile, various organizations opposing the state government’s move to construct a stadium on the premises of KSIC’s filature factory at 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 organizations opposing the stadium project at the KSIC Filature Factory in T. Narsipura was held on March 6 and welcomed the assurance given to the protesters by Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLC, that the project would be reviewed based on a technical report in this regard.
The KSIC employees who have joined the job will continue to serve on the assurance given by Mr. Yathindra and the KSIC managing director, but will wear a black armband until the government formally announces that the stadium project at the factory premises has been cancelled, Mr. Parashuramegowda said.
Published – March 8, 2026 7:55 PM IST
