A delegation headed by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari visited Kotia and prepared a report on preventing Andhra’s encroachment in Kotia in Koraput district and developing Kotia. Based on the said report, an action plan was prepared in a high-level meeting. According to the plan, 20 departments such as housing department, agriculture department, electricity department, soil conservation department, rural water supply department, public education department, scheduled caste and tribal department have been given responsibility for the development of this area. A huge package of Rs 290 crore has been approved for development programs to be undertaken by various departments. Good thing, but it is observed that the government has not shown any urgency even after three years of agreement on Raipad under Nandpur block of Koraput district, a disputed area. In recent years, Andhra has taken control of the forests of Raipad area with the support of Aadhaar, Ration, Electricity, etc. The forest land was tempting to the innocent and backward tribal inhabitants of the Raipad region. When Andhra’s agitation fell, the administration showed urgency and after three long months of negotiations with the Andhra administration, an agreement was signed to end Andhra’s aggression by demarcating Raipad and after discussions and deliberations by the administrative officials of both Andhra and Odisha. From that date, a list and cost estimate was prepared for the upgradation work at Raipad. Among the list were various developmental works such as roads, drinking water, housing, electricity supply, agriculture, education, and health. Even today the people of Raipad are under the umbrella of Andhra. Development is a long way off. Why is the government’s careless attitude towards Raipad while the government is showering favors after favors on Kotia? With little electricity, water or shelter, these villagers could not afford the accommodation. However, while Nandpur, the second largest block of Koraput district, is surrounded by the Andhra border, Panthlulong, Billaput, Golur, Chatua panchayats are mainly in Andhra’s eyes. Due to the lack of special attention of the local people representatives including the government and administration, Gote village after village of Andhra is becoming peaceful. The glaring examples are Jalaput in Billaput, Sovaput in Pantlung, and Raipad in Goluhu which are under the government’s watch. Why is this region under the government’s eye?
Shankar Pangi reports from Nandpur