Even as the border dispute with Andhra Pradesh is yet to be resolved, the neighbouring state at times stokes the row by making encroachment bids on Odisha side.
In a latest controversy, Andhra has encroached upon the area near the main reservoir of Machkund Hydroelectric Project at Jalaput in Koraput district.
As per reports, to bolster their encroachment and presence in the area, Andhra officials removed the signboards put up by Koraput Collector and the authorities of Machkund Hydroelectric Project in the area and threw them away.
Moreover, officials of the neighbouring state also removed the welcome signboard put up near the dam to strengthen the relationship between people of both the States.
Notably, Jalaput dam is jointly monitored by both Odisha and Anddhra Pradesh for the last many years. However, Andhra is trying to own up the dam for the last few years.
“Machkund is a joint project by both Odisha and Andhra. Odisha government had put up a signboard near the area for the security of the dam. Another welcome board was put up by the State government for maintaining good relationship between both States. However, Andhra officials removed both the boards and threw those away. They are trying to ruin the relationship between both the states and encroach upon our area which is not acceptable,” said Bilaput Sarpanch Rajkishore Lendru.