locals peeved as Hirakud research unit set to be closed

Here is another example of Centre's negligence to Odisha. In spite of virulent protests from all sections of people, the shifting of the fresh water fish research centre in the Hirakud reservoir functioning since 1963 is all but final. 

This has become clear after the transfer order of the officer in-charge of the research centre reached here. Earlier, 30 other employees were transferred from the centre to Cochin and other places of the country. At present, only three assistants, one electrician and only a clerk are left to run the office.

At a time, there was paucity of fund for research work in the reservoir. But that is the thing of the past. Now, crores of rupees are available for research work. Moreover, a good number of fingerlings are left inside the reservoir for growth of fish quantity and thereby giving a boost to the fish farmers and the fishermen community.

"After spending crores, the shifting of the research centre is nothing but a classic example of gross negligence to the fishermen and a step-motherly attitude to Odisha by the Centre," alleged senior BJP leader Radharani Panda, who also happens to be the president of the Hirakud Maschyajibi Mahasangha, lachhipali in Jharsuguda district.

Recently, a group of scientists from the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) had visited the Hirakud reservoir and collected water samples from various places for analysis to study the rate of industrial pollution. During that time, the fishermen and their organisations also had appealed before the team not to shift the research centre to Cochin. "But the Central Government took no heed of it," Panda alleged further. This improved research centre is well equipped with modern apparatus and boats of its own. But with the transfer of the head of the centre, the people have become sure of the closure of the centre permanently.