Andhra Babus launch mobile ambulance, review welfare projects in Kotia

Jeypore: A team of officials from Andhra Pradesh recently launched a mobile ambulance and reviewed the welfare projects in controversial Kotia cluster of villages under Pottangi block of Koraput district.

Reportedly, the team visited a school at Chanreddy Balasa village under the disputed panchayat and reviewed the progress of the road being constructed by their government. The officials also assured the villagers of providing better healthcare services, education and communication facilities, sources said.

This apart, the team has promised to visit the area every week, sources added.

On the other hand, 'Ama Kotia', a social outfit fighting for the cause of Kotia panchayat has welcomed the move of the neighbouring State. However, the outfit cautioned the neighbouring State not to expect anything more from the locals.

"We don't have any issues if it provides better health care, communication and other basic amenities to the people. But it should not expect anything in return," Ama Kotia convenor Gadadhar said.

A high-level team of Odisha government had recently visited the disputed panchayat to take stock of ground situation following reports of road construction by Andhra Government.

The neighbouring government reportedly started constructing road to a village (Talaganjeipadar) under the disputed panchayat to lure the villagers.

The controversy came to fore after a team of officials from Vijaynagaram of Andhra distributed freebies like blankets, solar lights and pension to tribals on occasion of  Janambhumi, being observed in Andhra Pradesh in January every year.