Koraput: Tensions resurfaced in the disputed Kotia region on Friday after officials from Andhra Pradesh reportedly entered Odisha territory and conducted a mobile health camp. The health outreach was organised in Upper Ganjeipadar village under the Tonam Health Centre, acting on instructions from the Parvathipuram Manyam district administration of Andhra Pradesh.
According to sources, the visit was carried out without informing Odisha authorities. Once the information reached local administration, Pattangi Block Development Officer (BDO) Ram Krushna Nayak was immediately alerted. Acting promptly, the BDO directed field officials and Kotia police personnel to rush to the location.
Upon reaching the spot, the Odisha officials intervened and stopped the Andhra Pradesh health programme, reiterating that the Kotia region falls under Odisha’s jurisdiction and that any administrative or service-related activities by neighbouring states in the area remain disputed and unauthorized.
The incident once again highlights the long-standing inter-state boundary conflict between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the Kotia cluster of villages, where periodic attempts at administrative outreach by Andhra Pradesh have been a recurring source of friction.
