In a significant move, the Odisha government has stepped up efforts to resolve the long-standing Kotia border conflict in Koraput district, which involves a territorial tussle with neighboring Andhra Pradesh. A high-level committee, led by the Revenue Department, has been formed following a key review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Who Was at the Meeting?
The meeting saw the participation of senior cabinet ministers from departments like Revenue, Law, and Higher Education, along with the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. Their goal: to take decisive steps towards resolving the decades-old issue that has seen minimal progress despite repeated interventions in the past.
What Is the Kotia Dispute All About?
The Kotia region, a cluster of villages located on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, has been the subject of an intense territorial dispute since the 1920s. Both states claim ownership of the area, but a lack of proper administration, infrastructure, and consistent governance has left the region neglected and vulnerable.
The dispute has lingered for generations without any concrete resolution, allowing both states to run parallel welfare schemes in the same villages. This has led to confusion among residents and tension between local authorities.
Government Moves Now
To break the stalemate, the Odisha government is setting up a multi-departmental committee that will:
- Include officials from various departments like Revenue, Home, and Panchayati Raj
- Involve subject matter experts familiar with the historical, legal, and geographical complexities of Kotia
- Conduct ground-level field visits to understand the lived realities of residents
- Monitor the situation continuously and recommend practical solutions
The committee’s final member list will be submitted within 15 days for approval by the Chief Minister.
Key Focus Areas of the Committee
Field Assessment and Data Collection
The committee will visit the disputed villages to gather first-hand information and assess the level of public services, infrastructure, and community sentiment.
Countering External Influence
One of the major concerns is that Andhra Pradesh has been offering financial and welfare incentives to the residents of Kotia. Odisha plans to counter these efforts by ensuring that its own development schemes — both from state and central governments — reach every eligible citizen in the area.
Strengthening Administrative Presence
The government aims to increase its visibility and services in the region, showing residents that Odisha is serious about their development and security.
Securing Kotia is not just about drawing boundaries on a map — it’s about protecting the rights and identity of the people living in these villages. By forming this expert panel, Odisha is attempting to:
- Assert its territorial rights
- Prevent further confusion or migration of loyalties
- Promote inclusive development in border villages
- Ensure national schemes are not misused or duplicated
