Koraput: Despite a number of boundary issues between Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, Didam barrage, set up on river Machhkund in Lamtaput block in 1955, continues to make stronger the harmonious relationship between the people of both the states.
The 100 meter bridge on Machhkund, considered the border between the two states, has proved to be the thread of affection between residents from both sides, it was learnt.
Though several boundary dispute cases are still pending in the Supreme Court over possession of some areas of Narayanpatna, Nandapur and Boragumpha blocks and 21 villages of Kotia panchayat in Pottangi block, the row has not affected the cordial relationship between the people of both sides of Didam barrage, locals said.
Separated by Machhkund reservoir, more than 30 villages of Machhkund and Ankadeli panchayats in Lamtaput block are in Orissa while 20 villages including Dhamaniput, Sengada, Dabaguda, Lumur and Mochhimput are located in Andhra Pradesh.
Didam bridge was constructed during the establishment of Machhkund hydro electric project in 1955. Thousands of people from Andhra Pradesh regularly visit the markets in Machhkund and Ankadeli to buy provisions while people of Orissa collect poultry, fish and vegetables from Andhra market to sell them in Orissa market, said Krushna Mehan and Soumesh Rao of Sengada village of Andhra Pradesh.
The traders of both the states manage to run their businesses as there are no restrictions on plying of auto-rickshaws, jeeps and other small transport vehicles on the narrow bridge.
“People of both sides get their daily requirement fulfilled easily as none of the governments (Orissa and AP) has put up any check gates that can affect the movement of goods,” said a few other villagers of Lamtaput block.
People of both sides have made the link concrete by establishing matrimonial relationship between them, it was learnt.
The Didam bridge is largely responsible for the existing amiable relationship between the people of both the states, claimed elderly persons of the area. PNN
