Nandapur: Although a year has passed since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) confirmed about the absence of Machhkund river in the official revenue maps of both Nandapur tehsil in Koraput district and its Andhra Pradesh (AP) counterpart, while investigating complaints over the destruction of the river’s ghats due to illegal sand mining, the river is yet to appear in the records of either states.
A year ago, a team from NGT, along with revenue officials from both the states, had visited the Machhkund river near Shobhaput and Suduba ghats in Panthlung panchayat of Nandapur block in Koraput district to investigate into complaints made by Pooja Khil, the sarpanch of Panthlung panchayat. She had alleged that illegal sand mining was destroying the river ghats and the river, with sand being smuggled across to Andhra Pradesh.
During the investigation, officials were surprised to discover that the Machhkund river, used as a natural boundary between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, was missing from the revenue records of both the states. Following media reports, the issue sparked state and national outrage, drawing criticism towards the state government and the revenue department.
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However, though a year has passed, neither the ruling party nor the Opposition has taken any concrete steps toward marking the boundary, launching a thorough investigation, or including the Machhkund river in the states’ official maps. The Nandapur tehsil office, district administration, and state revenue authorities have also failed to take initiative, fuelling public dissatisfaction, reports stated.
Local intelligentsia and observers say that the ongoing illegal sand mining by mafia from Andhra Pradesh continues unchecked at various ghats of the Machhkund river. They warn that this is only escalating border disputes between the two states.
Sources said that the Godavari river splits into two near Raipahad in Andhra’s Goluru panchayat. One branch, known locally as the Patalganga, flows through Chatua-Padua and merges into the Jolaput reservoir. The other branch, identified as the Machhkund river, flows past Dugana village and Muchimaput, serving as a natural boundary between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The NGT team was shown the toposheet map of the geology department and Google maps on mobile phones of both state officials. The team members were left wondering how the Machhkund river could miss out on the official revenue maps. Benudhar Sabar, Chief Development Officer of the Koraput Zilla Parishad, was present during the inspection.
It was alleged that the state revenue department, district administration, and the Nandapur tehsil office have been negligent in safeguarding the border. Meanwhile, Nandapur tehsildar Anadi Charan Sahu has retired.
QJ Khan, joint director of the Geological Department, stated that a report regarding the absence of the Machhkund river in the maps would be submitted to the state government and the tribunal.
The team members advised that in the coming days, administrative and revenue department representatives from both the states should hold a joint meeting to identify the boundary lines and accurately mark the river on the maps.
Meanwhile, residents of Panthlung panchayat and surrounding blocks expressed their disappointment that the NGT investigation and recommendations have remained only on paper. No concrete steps have been taken to officially mark the Machhkund river in the revenue maps, they alleged.
Locals have urged the Odisha revenue department, district administration, and the Nandapur tehsil office to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves. They emphasised that identifying the state boundary, and including the Machhkund river in the revenue records, is essential not only for administrative clarity but also for protecting the cultural identity of Odia people and ensuring dignity and peace for the border communities.
When contacted, Koraput Sub-Collector Premlal Hial said he would take up the issue with the District Collector and initiate prompt steps for border demarcation.
PNN
