While a large patch of 62 acres of land has been identified on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar for the Central Poultry Development Organisation (CPDO), the authorities are not in a mood to move out of their present location in the city.
Several Central organizations are allocated land on the outskirts of the capital city and these organizations are shifting to the new locations. However, the authorities in CPDO-ER are not in a mood to shift, said sources.
Way back in early 60s, the CPDO-ER was allotted 50 acres of land near Jayadev Vihar. And, later 21 acres of land was taken away for expansion of the Kalinga Stadium. Now, more land is required for expansion of the stadium to elevate it to international standard.
Accordingly, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (DADF) was informed and urged to shift the research station to the new place.
However, a site selection team, which visited the site found it not suitable after studying the topography and accessibility. There is no water body in the new site.
And an institute such as the CPDO avoids water bodies because they attract migratory birds that might carry avian viruses. The water body can be filled up with sands and easy accessibility can be provided to the institute, said official sources. However, the authorities need to agree for shifting.
Officials in the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs are asking to shift the institute to a place away from the city as it constituted a “health hazard” at its present location near the Kalinga Sports Complex.