Amid the ongoing dispute between Odisha and Andhra governments over the Kotia region of Koraput district, it has now come to the fore that Deomali, the highest peak in the State, is not in the records of revenue, tourism and forest departments of Odisha.
The statement was given by the state tourism minister Ashwini Patra during the Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly on Monday.
Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha was also shocked after the statement. The Speaker directed the minister to hold a meeting with revenue, tourism and forest department officials and take necessary action.
Reacting to Patra's reply, Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said the issue is very serious.
The Congress leader further added administrative officials from the neighbouring state pay frequent visit to Deomali hills.
Meanwhile, the state tourism minister said whatever is there is in the record.
“As per records, it is neither in revenue nor in the forest department records. We will take steps to put the name on our books legally,” Patra said.
Opposition BJP and Congress members on Monday stalled Odisha Assembly proceedings demanding debate on chit fund scam and farmers' issues.
Due to steep protests by the Opposition members, the first half of the day was completely washed away.
The house was adjourned four times including the last one till 4 p.m.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators had given a notice for discussion on an adjournment motion on chit fund scam.
However, Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha has rejected it. In protest of such a move by the Speaker, the BJP members created a ruckus in the house.