Koraput/Gajapati: Intensifying its battle with the Odisha Government, neighbouring Andhra Pradesh Government has reportedly resumed developmental works in the Kotia panchayat of Odisha after a brief lull.
However, despite a high-level team of the Odisha Government visiting Kotia cluster of villages and taking stock of the welfare schemes in the region six months ago, not a single effort has been made for the development of the region, revealed an OTV ground report.
While roads alongside all villages are in the same nasty condition, the Ashram school in district headquarters town reflects the apathy of the state government towards Kotia.
“The same class, in which students are studying, is the place where they are having food and sleeping. All of them are staying there only as around 100 girls have been accommodated in a 40-seater hostel,” said a teacher, Suresh Chandra Das.
Meanwhile, senior leaders have also alleged that the State has neglected Kotia even after assuring funds for the development of the region.
Former MP Jayaram Pangi stated, “Though plans were made about sanctioning Rs 150 crore, nothing has been done till now. The neighbouring Andhra Government has again begun several development projects and is constructing roads along Nanda village, Kotia and other areas. Still it seems as if the district administration and Odisha government are taking a nap.”
District Planning Board Chairman, Prafulla Pangi stated “They were doing something and we also continued working for Kotia. The residents will not face any problems. This might take a bit of time but we are concentrating on all issues, starting from water problems, road connectivity and many more. We have also prepared a proposal at an estimated cost of Rs 144 crore.”
“Be it the State Government or the Union Minister, each of them reviewed the status here in Kotia, but the crisis mounted instead of easing. Nothing has developed here,” alleged Ramachandra Kadam, Ex-MLA, Pottangi.