Odisha has border disputes with its four neighbouring states – Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh – over 96 villages.
The issue was highlighted by Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Maheswar Mohanty, in a written reply to a question in the state assembly from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Dilip Ray on Monday (Apr 23).
Here are the details on the issue as presented by Maheswar Mohanty:
1. The Odisha government has filed two cases against Andhra Pradesh way back in 1968.
2. The case over Bormutha and 12 hamlets was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
3. In another case over 21 Kotia group of villages, the apex court has asked both states to maintain a status quo.
4. However, Maheswar Mohanty said, despite the Supreme Court order, officials from Andhra Pradesh were found to be entering Kotia villages. The Odisha government promptly reviewed the situation in a high-level meeting.
5. The state government has decided to swing in to action and take steps to develop the villages in terms of education, infrastructure, and health. It was decided that an open police station would be set up and also Aadhaar cards be distributed among villagers.
6. Odisha also has disputes with Andhra Pradesh over 21 villages in Ganjam district, 16 villages in Gajapati district and five villages in Rayagada.
7. The state has disputes with West Bengal over six villages in Balasore and eight villages in Mayurbhanj district.
8. In his written reply to the state assembly, Maheswar Mohanty said Odisha has dispute with Jharkhand over two villages in Mayurbhanj district, five villages in Keonjhar district and six villages in Sundargarh district.
9. Odisha has dispute with Chhattisgarh over four villages in Nabarangpur district and one village in Jharsuguda district.
10. Odisha also has pending cases over rivers and forests with its neighbouring states.
Odisha.in