AP-Odisha border dispute kicks up row
AP signed a MoU with Adani Green Energy to launch projects worth `60,000 cr
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam: A fresh controversy has erupted over jurisdiction of Kotia group of villages in the border areas with both claimants, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha expressing their firmness to go ahead with a hydroelectric project by themselves without involving the other.
As part of its strategy, AP signed a MoU with Adani Green Energy in May this year at the World Economic Forum conclave held at Davos to launch green energy projects worth Rs 60,000 crore. AP has already conducted a survey and carried out some sample tests at Neredivalasa, one of the Kotia group of villages where tribals have been living since ages. Sources said AP has already sought clearances to go ahead with the project.
The Kotia villages are being claimed by both the States and the case pertaining to the jurisdiction claims is pending in the Supreme Court. Right from holding elections, showing them in the map of each State and launching of various development works have hit headlines with both States claiming right over the territorial jurisdiction for decades.
Angered over AP government's latest move, the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation recently came forward to conduct a survey to explore establishment of a 2200 MW hydel power project. The details regarding the project are not available as Odisha government is yet to make public its viewpoint on this issue. However, a section of locals raised objections when a senior police official from Salur of AP visited the disputed area and opposed the survey being conducted by Odisha.
Twenty one of 28 villages in Kotia are being claimed as part of Pottangi panchayat of Odisha and Salur block of Manyam district of Odisha with headquarters at Parvathipuram in erstwhile Vizianagaram district. Following objections raised by Odisha over claims of AP, the Supreme Court declared a status quo in December 1968.
"As per the surveys conducted during British rule, the villages are part and parcel of Odisha. The Vizagapatnam Gazette of 1907 also made such a mention," Gadadhar Parida, former District Collector of Koraput told Bizz Buzz on Tuesday.
Parida, the convener of Amo Kotia organisation, said both AP and Odisha are bound by the Supreme Court order, or sort out their differences through across the table discussions or take up a joint venture project if they are keen by respecting each other's right over their jurisdiction like Machhkund inter-State power project. "However, signing MoU with Adani unilaterally without involving Odisha will tantamount to violation of the apex court order and Odisha's jurisdiction over its territories," he remarked.
