Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Kotia panchayat is as soon as once more within the headlines following the ballot dates announcement by Andhra Pradesh authorities within the area. Such a transfer has drawn sharp reactions right here with the neighbouring state being accused of meddling within the affairs of Kotia area at common intervals.
The border dispute shouldn’t be new. Both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha governments have been making an attempt laborious to woo the residents of Kotia panchayat in Koraput district by promising and inaugurating a slew of welfare initiatives.
Many are wandering the explanation behind Andhra Pradesh’s conspiracy to deliver Kotia below its fold. It is being mentioned that the neighbouring state is eying Kotia as a consequence of presence of big reserves of minerals and invaluable gem stones.
According to locals, there’s a mountain which they consult with as ‘Suna Pahad’ and one can discover a number of treasured gem stones together with Cat’s eye stone. The villagers additionally consider that the place has reserves of gold and silver.
“Andhra Pradesh is eyeing Kotia as the region has reserves of gold, silver, diamond, bauxite and other minerals,” mentioned Rajesh Hantala, a resident of Kotia Panchayat.
Apart from this, the locals say that areas like Nuagaon, Ralegada are wealthy in eight to 10 varieties of mineral assets. All such makes an attempt of Andhra Pradesh are simply to plunder these pure assets, allege native residents.
“Andhra Pradesh has assured the locals to provide jobs if they acquire the Suna Pahada,” mentioned Sunil Khara, former Nuagaon Sarpanch.
It can be being mentioned that as a consequence of lack of political intent on a part of Odisha authorities to hold out developmental works, the inhabitants of Kotia are inclining in direction of Andhra Pradesh. No step has been allegedly taken by the State authorities for efficient utilisation of the pure assets or for the social growth of the area.
Such lapses have now given a chance to the opposition events together with Congress and BJP to slam Odisha authorities.
Former Congress MP Pradip Majhi mentioned, “Cat’s eye can be found in abundance here and are being trafficked to other States. There are several instances of such plunder and we urge Odisha government for proper excavation and preservation of such resources.”
BJP chief Jayram Pangi mentioned, “There is lack of intent by Odisha government for development of eco-tourism which can create employment opportunities in the region.”
However, Pradip Kumar Nayak, Deputy Mines Director, Koraput mentioned, “ I have no information about the availability of any minerals in Kotia. Only after proper inquiry we can comment on it.”
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)
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