Pottangi: After a lull, officials from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh once again entered the disputed Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block in Koraput district, openly challenging Odisha’s local administration and reviving concerns over the long-running interstate boundary dispute.
A team of Andhra officials, including Salur block special officer Prasad and MPDO (BDO) G. Parvati, visited the panchayat and inspected key locations such as the panchayat office, Jagannath temple, the ashram school and the bus stand.
The officials also toured several hamlets, interacting directly with residents and inquiring about welfare schemes being implemented by the Andhra government. During the visit, the team conducted door-to-door awareness campaigns on mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, and advised villagers on preventive measures.
They also toured villages such as Upper Sembi and Ganjeipadar, assessing local conditions and discussing developmental activities with residents.
The move is being seen as a direct assertion of administrative presence by Andhra Pradesh in the Kotia region, which remains a contested territory between the two states.
The visit, notably conducted in an open manner, is perceived as a challenge to the Pottangi block administration.
Despite repeated visits by Odisha officials, including those specially appointed for Kotia, to ensure implementation of state welfare schemes in the border villages, there appears to be little deterrence to Andhra’s continued outreach in the area.
In several bordering villages, including Deridibalsa, Tadibalsa, Phagunasineri and Phatusineri, MPDO Parvati held detailed discussions with villagers on proposed development works for the current financial year and assured early implementation of various programmes.
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Residents, however, appear to be maintaining a neutral stance, often leveraging benefits from both states while refraining from taking sides in the dispute.
This dual engagement has allowed competing administrative efforts from both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to continue simultaneously.
The situation has also highlighted gaps in the education sector.
Although the Odisha government has appointed teachers to impart education in Kui, the local tribal language, the initiative has yet to yield visible results.
This has, in turn, enabled Andhra’s education system to gain influence among students in the region.
When contacted, Pottangi tehsildar Debendra Bahadur Singh Dharua said the matter would be investigated.
Meanwhile, Kotia’s special officer, Saurabh Das, declined to comment, stating that the block development officer and tehsildar were better placed to respond.
The renewed activity by Andhra officials is likely to heighten administrative and political attention on Kotia, where the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh boundary dispute continues to simmer.
