Andhra Officials’ Deomali Visit Raises Eyebrows 

Amid the ongoing dispute between the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments over the Kotia region of Koraput district, the sudden visit of a large number of administrative officials from the neighbouring state to Deomali, the highest peak in the State, has raised the eyebrows of all and sundry.

According to sources, the Collector of Vizianagaram Surya Kumari along with 60-70 administrative officials reached Deomali in 15 government vehicles at around 11 am on Sunday. The team enjoyed the Deomali peak, had a feast before returning to their native state.

The activities of the Andhra officials have set off speculations because their vehicles were initially moving towards the disputed Kotia region from Kunduli. In the midway, the vehicles changed the direction and moved towards Deomali hills. 

The district administration of Koraput as well as locals kept a close vigil on the activities of the Andhra officials. 

According to sources close to the development, Vizianagaram Collector Surya Kumari and other officials proceeded to Galigabdar waterfall in Potangi block from Deomali. After spending time at the waterfall, they eventually returned to Andhra Pradesh via Potangi. 

While the Additional Collector had kept a close eye on the activities of the team at Deomali, they were under surveillance of Potangi police and block development officer at Galigabdar waterfall.