After stadium project row at T. Narasipur KSIC land… Now, pollution plaint against Factory

Sports Department may transfer land to Sericulture Dept. only after by-polls
State Pollution Control Board asks KSIC to set up Effluent Treatment Plant
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka alleges backdoor attempts to grab 5.8-acre land
Environmental violation complaint against KSIC Filature Unit by leaders from CM’s Varuna Constituency triggers fresh row

Mysore/Mysuru: The State Government’s proposal to construct a Taluk Stadium inside the premises of Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) Filature Factory at Bhyrapura in T. Narasipur has been dropped following strong public opposition. Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh announced on the floor of the Assembly on Mar. 9 that the Government had shelved the project.

The Minister had also assured the House that 5.8 acres of KSIC land, which had been handed over to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) for the stadium project, would be returned to KSIC. However, the Government is yet to issue a Government Order (GO) formalising the decision.

Meanwhile, a fresh controversy has emerged after some residents lodged complaints with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), alleging that the KSIC Unit, located near a residential area, is causing noise and environmental pollution.

According to reports, Congress leaders from Varuna Constituency, Diwakar, a KDP Member and B. Maraiah, former Taluk Panchayat President, filed a complaint with KSPCB on Mar. 10 alleging non-compliance with pollution control norms. The complaint has been lodged at a time when Sericulture Department has been seeking return of 5.8 acres of land by DYES.

Residents have alleged that the Unit’s machinery generates excessive noise, foul odour and polluted waste water, which they claim flows into the Kapila River.

KSPCB inspection

A team from KSPCB inspected the Unit. Using sound meters, officials reportedly found that the noise levels were within permissible limits. Water used in the production process was tested and also no chemical contamination was detected.

However, the officials advised the Unit to set up an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) as a precautionary measure. KSIC officials said, the unit plans to establish a 3-lakh-litre-per-day ETP on about 1.5 acres, but the project can be taken up only after the land is formally returned.

Backdoor attempt: R. Ashoka

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, has alleged that attempts are being made to take over KSIC land despite the Government withdrawing the stadium proposal.

In a media statement yesterday, Ashoka said that a day after Sericulture Minister’s announcement in the Assembly (Mar. 9) that the proposal to construct a stadium on KSIC land would be withdrawn, leaders from Varuna Constituency, represented by CM Siddaramaiah, filed a complaint with KSPCB alleging environmental violations by KSIC.

Ashoka said, KSIC’s technical report had clearly stated that retaining the land was essential for constructing an ETP to meet pollution control norms.

He further alleged that despite the Government not transferring the required land, KSPCB issued a notice to KSIC on Mar. 24 for not having an ETP.

The notice, he said, also raised concerns about the septic tank and soak pit at the unit and warned of possible closure for non-compliance.

“First, the land is taken away, and then a compliance trap is created to shut the KSIC unit. Is this governance or a conspiracy to cripple the KSIC mother unit and damage the globally respected Mysore Silk brand?” Ashoka questioned. He said, any attempt to undermine historic institution for “political land games” would be unacceptable.