SAMBALPUR: Fish population in Hirakud Dam Reservoir (HDR) is gradually declining with many species becoming extinct. It has affected livelihood of more than 5000 fisherman dependent on the reservoir. While Fisheries officials attributed the decline to over-fishing, a closer look reveals discharge of effluent to the reservoir by industries and overdrawing of water have resulted in declining fish population. Spread over 74,592 hectare, the Hirakud Dam Multi Purpose Project had irrigation, flood control, power generation, water transportation besides fishing on its agenda. While water transportation to Chhattisgarh and across the dam to Jharsuguda and Bargarh district has been completely abandoned due to undergrowth and risk involved, not much has been done to promote fishing even though it has the potential to meet the fish requirement of the State. Reports said as many as 140 species of fish have become extinct in last six decades. Investigations revealed there were 183 fish species in the HDR when it was constructed in the late