Former MLA Pradipta Panda, employees of a dairy farm and local elected representatives demanded protection of land meant for the dairy farm.
They, besides stating that the farm was established in Remuna in 1965 for the enhancement of milk production and promotion of other dairy products, informed it was erected on a 84-acre patch of land. However, of late , it was observed that the land was shrinking as a portion of it was alienated for other purposes.
Panda said out of 84 acre of land while four acre land was given for OMFED, 50 acre was given to the newly-established Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital. Further, there was a proposal to give another 5-7 acre to the medical college for its expansion and establishment of a Nursing College.
Panda said after establishment of the dairy farm, grass cultivation was taken up in rest land for the fodder of the cattle. The locals were not only procuring pure milk from the farm but also buying grass from the farm. About 100 people belonging to 12 families had been depending on the farm.
Once there were a large number of cattle and milk production was substantial but the production had declined now as the cattle were not getting adequate movement and fodder.
They alleged that after giving the 5-7 acre of land to the Government medical college hardly any land would be left for the dairy farm for which the land was meant during establishment.
The milk production would further decline once the cattle would not find adequate grass from the field, they alleged.
On Sunday while a meeting was held in the regard , the local elected representatives including ZP member Sitaram Pradhan, Sarpanch Gitanjali Giri and PS member Ashok Sethi attending the meeting expressed concern over the issue.
They observed that the district administration should procure land which were adjacent to the medical college instead of taking the land of the farm.
The passed a resolution not to part with any patch of land of the dairy farm and communicate their unanimous decision to the district Collector and other authorities. They also threatened to hold agitation if their grievance was not addressed.