Public Outcry Over Petrol Pump Threat to Historic Jagannath Sagar

Petrol Pump Construction on Jagannath Sagar Shores Sparks Probe.

The state government has directed the District Magistrate to conduct an inquiry into allegations of illegal construction of a petrol pump on the banks of the historic Jagannath Sagar in Jeypore. The move follows complaints that the ongoing construction violates environmental norms and government land regulations.

According to official sources, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department has taken cognizance of the issue after receiving a written complaint from social activist Basant Patra. In response, Deputy Secretary Subhendu Dev Acharya has issued a formal communication to the District Collector of Koraput, directing a fact-based investigation and submission of a compliance report to the department.

In his complaint dated October 13, Patra alleged that the petrol pump is being constructed on government land adjacent to Jagannath Sagar, an area that falls under environmental protection as per the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order issued on October 8, 2020. He warned that the establishment of a petrol pump on the lake’s shore would lead to severe environmental pollution and contravene NGT guidelines, which prohibit hazardous constructions within 75 meters of water bodies exceeding 50 hectares in area.

Patra also pointed out that despite the NGT’s earlier directives, lake restoration works remain incomplete, and there have been repeated violations including unauthorized soil removal and illegal sale from the Sagar premises. “Water from Jagannath Sagar has been released without environmental clearance. The municipal authorities are ignoring the court’s orders,” he stated in the complaint.

Adding to the growing concerns, WAR Chairman Krushna Keshava Sarangi raised the issue during the District Collector’s grievance hearing program, demanding an immediate halt to the petrol pump construction. He emphasized that such activity near the reservoir would endanger the lake ecosystem and deteriorate water quality.

Following up on the matter, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, through letter No. 39770 dated October 24, reminded the district administration that no compliance report had been submitted regarding the initial complaint filed on September 26. The department instructed the Collector to conduct a formal inquiry and take necessary legal and administrative action as per the findings.

Meanwhile, a public hearing was conducted at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office on October 27, where volunteers and local residents reiterated their opposition to the construction. They demanded that the administration identify those responsible for granting the alleged illegal permission and ensure the protection of Jagannath Sagar, one of Jeypore’s most significant natural heritage sites.

The District Collector’s office is yet to issue a formal statement, but sources confirmed that a team will be deputed to verify the land ownership, environmental compliance, and construction permits related to the project.

Local residents and environmental activists have urged the administration to act swiftly, stating that Jagannath Sagar  a historic lake revered for its cultural and ecological significance  must be safeguarded from encroachment and pollution.