Kotia row: Odisha to revive legal battle in Supreme Court; asserts territorial integrity

Odisha reaffirmed its claim over the disputed Kotia region in Koraput district, with Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari taking a firm stance on Friday that the panchayat is an inseparable part of the State. A strategic development roadmap is being formulated alongside legal battle revival plans.

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According to official sources, Minister Pujari categorically stated that Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and any sort of compromise on this matter is out of context. This assertive declaration came during a recent meeting of the special committee newly set up for Kotia’s development.

In this significant move, the Minister announced that an exclusive roadmap for the region’s development will be prepared. He instructed all state departments to coordinate with the district administration and submit their department-specific plans within a month.

Committed to integrated development of Kotia region: Minister

The Kotia committee’s objective is to ensure integrated development in the region, covering infrastructure, economic upliftment, social welfare, and cultural enrichment.

Minister Pujari emphasised that all departments must keep in view the critical aspects like roads, markets for farmers, and employment opportunities for the youth when designing their roadmaps.

The Revenue Minister revealed that the long-standing legal battle with Andhra Pradesh over Kotia, which Odisha lost in a Supreme Court case, is to be revived soon. Consultation with senior lawyers is already underway to explore legal remedies.

The Minister expressed that Odisha previously suffered due to ineffective case management and failure to present strong evidence. However, the current government is determined to rectify those shortcomings and reassert the State’s claim with renewed vigour.

Pujari stressed that on-ground issues in Kotia will be tackled head-on, and every effort will be made to deliver the State’s facilities to every doorstep in the region.
“Kotia is an integral part of Odisha. No compromise will ever be made with regard to it. A preliminary discussion was held today to find out what steps were taken in the past days. I have also sought the action taken report (ATR) on recommendations previously given by the House Committees of the Odisha Legislative Assembly,” the Minister said.

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“Officials concerned of different departments will present their action taken reports on the House Committee recommendations in the next meeting,” Minister Pujari added.