SAMBALPUR: Displaced by Hirakud dam project, the fishermen residing in periphery villages of Hirakud dam reservoir (HDR) are finding it difficult to eke out a living. While the fish population in the HDR has been on a decline, they had hoped that the industries in the periphery would help them by releasing fish spawn in the HDR under their corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, instead of releasing spawn, the industries have asked fishermen to refrain from venturing into the area in HDR housing their intake well. This despite the fact that the various fishing cooperative societies pay Rs 12 lakh as lease value and royalty to the State Government. Sources said release of effluents and warm water is the primary reason for dwindling fish population in HDR. Farmers alleged that besides release of effluents, illegal carrying of stones from inside the HDR to meet construction needs of these industries is another reason for the decline. President of Hirakud Jalabhandara Masyajibi Kriyanusthan Committee, Antaryami Pani, said there is decline of 75 to 80 per cent fish production. “And in the absence of fish, condition of 4,000 fishermen of the cooperative societies has become deplorable,” he said. Demanding royalty by the industries on area housing intake wells , Pani said if no steps are taken, they would hit the streets.