Veterinary hospital staff quarters razed to make way for KSIC silk showroom and office

The old staff quarters of the veterinary hospital on Queen’s Road was razed recently. 
| Photo Credit: Jahnavi T.R.

Animal lovers in Bengaluru are up in arms as the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services recently razed down the old staff quarters on Queen’s Road opposite the super specialty veterinary hospital to make way for Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd’s (KSIC) silk showroom. 

In an order passed in 2023-end, the government had directed the department to transfer 1,700 sq ft land on Queen’s Road to the KSIC to set up its godown, sales outlet, and head office building. Later by mid-2024, animal activists found out about the order and have been protesting ever since. Now, with the razing of the building around three months ago, activists say it seems impossible to stop the proposed project. 

“They have already destroyed the staff space that was on Queen’s Road, and it is ridiculous that a silk showroom is coming up there. It should not happen,” said Priya Chetty Rajagopal, animal activist.  

At a time when there are not enough facilities in the city for animals, activists question why even existing land is being given away. “Why is the department giving away this land without public consultation? There is a shortage of animal shelters in the city, and this space should have been used to address this. Instead, they are eying profits and setting up a silk showroom. It is such a shame,” said Arun Prasad, animal activist and pet owner. 

In 2024, animal activists had taken the legal route when two acres of land belonging to Chamarajapet Veterinary Hospital was transferred to the Waqf Board. The High Court had then halted the transfer of the land and had directed the department to maintain status quo. However, in this case, activists feel that it is a lost cause as KSIC has already begun work.  

The hospital in Queen’s Road is Bengaluru’s only 24/7 government veterinary hospital and is among the two super specialty hospitals in the city. “First, it was the transfer of veterinarians from Bengaluru to rural areas. Now, they are giving away what little is left for animals, just for some revenue,” said another animal activist.  

When asked for a response, officials of the department said the land had already been transferred to KSIC and the activities there will be decided by KSIC.