Koraput: The long-standing inter-state border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has reignited, with Andhra officials installing solar power systems in Kotia villages.
According to reports, Andhra Pradesh authorities proceeded with the installation of PM Suryaghar (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana) rooftop solar units in Upper Sembi village on Saturday, despite earlier resistance. An initial attempt on Thursday was reportedly thwarted when Kotia police seized the equipment. Andhra Rural Circle Inspector of Police P. Rama Krishna then intervened, securing the return of the materials. A temporary barricade was set up, and systems were installed for six beneficiaries under the protection of AP police.
Reports further stated that a police outpost was also set up there.
“Andhra Pradesh continues to openly challenge Odisha’s authority in Kotia by setting up police outposts and expanding its presence, yet the Odisha Government remains silent. When NDA governs both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, what stops meaningful dialogue with AP and strong intervention from the Centre? Territorial integrity cannot be sacrificed for political convenience and administrative helplessness,” BJD leader Bhrugu Baxipatra posted on X, while expressing concern over the incident.
This development follows closely on the heels of other assertive actions by Andhra Pradesh.
On Friday, AP health officials reportedly conducted a health camp in the village with police escort. Additionally, Odisha officials had earlier dismantled solar units installed by a private agency engaged by Andhra Pradesh in Simbi on Wednesday.
When contacted, Additional District Magistrate Tapan Kumar Naik confirmed that a team of Odisha government officials was dispatched to Kotia on Saturday afternoon to assess the ground situation. “We went to verify whether the beneficiaries had received the panels as individual benefits. We do not interfere, however, we have also decided to install solar panels on the rooftops of all PM Awas beneficiaries in the village,” Pottangi Tehsildar Debendra Bahadur Dharua told ET.
