Andhra Pradesh Conducts Health Camp in Disputed Kotia Region

The state of Andhra Pradesh has once again entered the contentious Kotia Panchayat in the Pottangi Block of Koraput District, Odisha, to conduct a health camp. This latest activity, which took place on Friday, has reignited local tensions and resentment over Andhra’s ongoing presence in this disputed area.

According to reports, officials from Andhra Pradesh have been frequently entering the Kotia region, aiming to influence local residents through various government initiatives. Despite repeated notifications, the response from Odisha’s local administration has been limited, primarily involving the preparation of reports that are forwarded to district officials. This has led to criticism that the administration is attempting to deflect responsibility for addressing the issue.

Health Camp Conducted Amid Tensions

A medical team from the Tonam Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Andhra’s Salur Mandal, led by Dr. Ajay Kumar, organized the health camp in Tala Ganjeipadar Village. They conducted health examinations and distributed free medicines to local residents, further complicating the already fraught situation between the two states.

Upon receiving information about the camp, Pottangi Block Development Officer (BDO) Ramakrushna Nayak arrived at the village and engaged in discussions with the Andhra medical personnel. He instructed them to vacate Odisha territory immediately, which they subsequently did.

In his address to local residents, Nayak emphasized that the primary health centre located at the Kotia Panchayat headquarters is adequately equipped with quality medicines and staffed with professional doctors. He reassured the villagers that they could receive timely medical treatment for any health concerns without the need to rely on external sources.

Nayak also warned that utilizing different medications prescribed by officials from two states for the same ailment could pose significant health risks. He urged villagers to depend on the authorized health facility in Odisha to ensure their well-being.

Continued Intrusions Raise Concerns

For several months, Andhra Pradesh has been conducting periodic incursions into the Kotia region, engaging in various governmental activities before retreating across the border. Although Odisha officials have responded to alerts regarding these incursions, their actions have not effectively deterred future attempts.

Intellectuals and local leaders in the region contend that merely sending Andhra officials back has not produced a meaningful impact on preventing further intrusions. The ongoing situation raises important questions about the ability of local governance to manage cross-border tensions effectively.

As the situation continues to evolve, the dynamics between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in the Kotia region remain a point of contention, highlighting the complexities of regional governance and the challenges of health service delivery in disputed territories.