Bhubaneswar: In another instance of interference of Andhra Pradesh in Odisha’s Koraput, some officials of the neighbouring state have removed signages of a hydro project in the district.
According to sources, the officials of Muchimput block of Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by tehsildar and local leaders, pulled down the notice board of Koraput district administration for protection of Machkund hydro-electric project at Jalaput. They also removed a welcome board installed by the administration on the border of the two states.
Following the incident, which took place 2-3 days back, Nandapur tehsildar and BDO along with other officials visited the spot and took stock of the situation on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a team of local BJP workers led by Gouam Samantray went to the place and erected the sign boards at respective places. “Though Jalaput reservoir is a joint project of the two states, Andhra was trying to claim it as its own. But the local officials remained complacent to the interference of the neighbouring state,” they said.
It may be noted that Andhra has been interfering in the affairs of Kotia panchayat in the district by trying to woo the villagers with various welfare schemes. The state’s deputy chief minister Rajanna Dora even visited the area and announced several welfare schemes for the people.
However, the border dispute between the states is still pending in the Supreme Court.
