Jurisdiction Dispute With Andhra – Naveen Patnaik,CM,Odisha Launches Projects in Kotia Tribal Village
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar: Amidst the ongoing border dispute with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday launched several developmental projects in Kotia region of Koraput district.
Naveen launched projects worth Rs 18 Crs, in addition to the ongoing projects of Rs 150 Crs for the development of 21 disputed villages in Kotia Gram Panchayat under Pottangi block in Koraput.
he move comes days after Andhra Pradesh announced Panchayat elections in three villages of Kotia Panchayat.
The AP, Govt, fixed the dates for the elections are February 13 and 17.In the notification for the polls, by the Andhra Govt it has included Talaganjeipadar, Phatuseneri and Phagunaseneri villages under Salur block.
Addressing on the occasion through a Video conferencing, Naveen Patnaik announced that Kotia would be transformed into a model Panchayat. The Chief Minister said he would very soon visit Kotia region and meet the people there at an earliest schedule.
The Odisha Government has already implemented many developmental activities in the sectors of education, health, communication, drinking water and electricity. Steps will be taken to transform Kotia into a model Panchayat,” Naveen said.
Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are claiming the Kotia region as their land and a case in this regard is pending in the Supreme Court since 1968. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are at loggerheads for the past several decades as both claim their jurisdiction over Kotia Gram Panchayat. Of the total 28 villages under the Panchayat, Andhra Pradesh claims 21 of them and provides various benefits to over 5,000 residents in the region. Andhra Pradesh has also provided Aadhaar cards to the people of the region. Odisha Government has alleged that the neighbouring State has been luring people to Kotia Gram Panchayat as the region has rich reserves of mineral resources.
After Andhra Pradesh Government announced to hold Panchayat polls in Kotia, Odisha Government on Thursday shifted Koraput Collector Madhusudan Mishra and appointed Mohammad Abdaal Akhtar as the new Collector.
