Days after Andhra Pradesh allegedly encroached upon the area near the main reservoir of Machkund Hydroelectric Project at Jalaput in Koraput district and uprooted signboard, the Koraput district Collector’s board has been re-installed on the Odisha soil.
Recently, Nandapur BDO and Tehsildar had visited the spot after the signboard was removed by the neighbouring state. This has sparked off a row triggering fresh border dispute between the two states who are already at loggerheads.
“The board was installed for security purposes of the dam. We took steps as per the decision of the administration,” said Baliput Sarpanch, Rajkishore Lendur.
Earlier, the Andhra officials had 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.
Pottangi MLA Pritam Padhi along with his supporters had visited the spot after the row. According to Padhi, Jalaput is of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh will be solely responsible if there is any law and order situation here.
“Today, Odisha government has taken up a lot of developmental activities in these areas and Andhra Pradesh government is indulging in such activities out of jealousy. The neighbouring state will be responsible for any law and order situation,” warned Padhi.