Koraput: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Jeypore municipality on Friday for the beautification and rejuvenation of the over two-century-old Jagannath Sagar. HAL will be providing Rs 6 crore for the work.

The water body was originally spread over 115 hectare of land. However, owing to illegal encroachments it is now squeezed to 67.4 hectare.

Official sources said HAL will provide the fund in two phases over the next two years under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

“The funds have been sanctioned based upon the detailed project report (DPR) submitted by the district administration to develop a portion of the lake,” said Sidharth Patnaik, executive officer, Jeypore municipality.

In 2022, HAL earmarked Rs 1 crore for the initial phase of beautification based on a detailed project report prepared by the Odisha Small Industries Corporation (OSIC).

This phase aimed at developing a portion of the lake into a multi-functional area with amenities such as open air theatre, amusement park, open gymnasium, musical fountain, concealed drainage system, laser show facilities, gazebos, among others.

“Protection and development of the water body into a tourist destination is a long-standing demand of the locals and the administration is committed to it. Following the DPR, work on the project will start soon and efforts will be made to ensure that it is completed on time,” said Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

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