Kicking off the proposed 2200MW Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) project at Kotia in Koraput, the officials of the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC), Adani Group and Tata Consultancy conducted a ground survey for the same at Kotia on Monday.
The bitter dispute regarding territorial jurisdiction over Kotia panchayat in Koraput district between the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments crops up every now and then. As Odisha plans to set up hydel project in the area, it has created a face-off-like situation with Andhra Pradesh again with the latter already planning a similar project in the area.
As per reports, the Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the Adani Group for a 1200 MW hydroelectric power project in Manyam district near Kotia in August 2023. However, the Chief Ministers of both States met and discussed the matter in November 2023, the outcome of which is still unknown.
Andhra Pradesh has reportedly begun groundwork for its hydropower project bordering Neradivalsa in the disputed Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block of Koraput district.
Two power projects in the same area have prompted confrontations many times in the past, the last one being reported in September 2022 when the Koraput district administration visited Neradivalsa, Tadivalsa and Arjuvalsa to carry out a survey to ascertain the number of villages and people to be affected and other impacts.
When the team was at Neradivalsa, Salur CI had arrived there and enquired about the purpose of their visit. He had also told them that it is the Andhra Pradesh government that will set up the project as it has already conducted the survey work.
While the two states lock horns to set up power plants, suspense is mounting as to who will set up the plant, Odisha or AP?