Bengaluru, Aug 2 (KNN) Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) has expressed serious concern over closure of Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited involved in the production of alloy steels and pig iron in Bhadravathi.

In its press release, KASSIA said “VISL is on the verge of being closed down which has led to agitation by the workers and their dependents. We learn from the members of KASSIA in Shimoga and the region that the closure of VISL will be a big blow to the industrial development of the region as the company carries a lot of good legacy having been started by M. Visveswaraya, Engineer statesman.”

This was one of the first steel mills to be set up anywhere in the Country, way back in 1923, in the early 20th century, KASSIA mentioned.

It said “It is sad to note that the company which was a state undertaking was later transferred to SAIL but unfortunately has not been able to turn the corner.”

“We would, therefore, like to urge the Government to ensure that the VISL is not allowed to be closed as it will jeopardize the livelihood of the employees and their dependents which runs into thousands of people and also will be a sad blow to the industrial growth and development of the region”, said R Raju, President of KASSIA.

He stated that the State Government may take steps to infuse capital and other resource that may be required using if necessary private investors to revive the unit and run it successfully.