Koraput: In a move aimed at reviving the historic Jagannath Sagar to its original expanse, the Koraput administration has decided to shift the six-century-old district fisheries office from its current location in Jeypore, in order to merge its land with the lake, officials said.
Official sources said that around 20 acres of land at Balia under Jeypore block have been earmarked for the relocation of the office. Preliminary groundwork for the project has already commenced.
“As directed by the district administration, we have visited the spot and have given our consent. Now, a technical team from our department will inspect the site. Once we receive their approval, the office will be shifted,” said Bharat Bhusan Sahu, district fisheries officer, Koraput.
During its establishment in 1966, the fisheries department had been allocated 44 acres of land from Jagannath Sagar for fish production and fingerling development. However, over the years, around 20 acres have been repurposed for various govt projects, reducing the department’s operational area to 24 acres.
“Currently, we have tank ponds for fish production and are managing operations with 4,250 registered farmers under our jurisdiction,” said S Padhi, assistant fisheries officer, Jeypore.
Jagannath Sagar, a lake excavated in the late 17th century during the reign of king Vikram Deo-I to cater to the water needs of Jeypore, was originally spread over 115 hectares. Due to decades of encroachment and administrative apathy, the lake has shrunk significantly and now covers only 67.40 hectares.
Several local organisations have been demanding the restoration of Jagannath Sagar to its original area by reintegrating land currently held by the fisheries and other departments.