Odisha official stops Andhra Pradesh health team from conducting medical camp in disputed Kotia region

Tensions resurfaced in Odisha’s Kotia region, bordering Andhra Pradesh, after a Tehsildar from Odisha 's Pottangi block intervened and stopped a health camp organised by an Andhra Pradesh medical team in the villages.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday evening when a health team from Andhra Pradesh entered Kotia panchayat and began conducting a medical camp in villages like Paniki and Ganjeipadar villages. The team had gathered local residents and started medical examinations as part of a health awareness drive.

Upon receiving the information, officials from the Pottangi Tehsildar rushed to the spot. At Paniki village, the Tehsildar and other officials confronted the Andhra medical team and asked them to stop their activities, citing jurisdictional and administrative concerns.

The Pottangi Tehsildar’s office officials firmly told the visiting team and doctors not to create further disputes in the sensitive border area and requested them to leave immediately. 

The Andhra Pradesh health team complied with the request, halted their medical services, and returned to their state without any resistance.

This development comes amid the ongoing administrative tussle between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the Kotia region.

Local residents often find themselves caught between the competing authorities of both states, receiving overlapping schemes and services.