‘Odisha to regain trust of Kotia villagers being lured by Andhra Pradesh’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government today said that a team of officials will soon visit the Kotia panchayat to regain the trust of the people who are being lured by the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to media, Odisha Revenue Minister Maheshwar Mohanty on Wednesday alleged that the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh government is trying to attract people through different programmes.

"People of Kotia panchayat are getting benefits of all the welfare schemes. We will take all the necessary measures to thwart Andhra government's attempt to take away our land and people," said Mohanty.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government is preparing to fast-track development works in Kotiya panchayat, reported PTI.

"Development activities is being expedited and the existing infrastructure in Kotiya panchayat will be strengthened with creation of new capital assets," said District Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy, who recently visited the area.

"Drinking water facilities will be provided and electrification of villages done on a priority basis. The work has already begun," the Collector said, adding, field staff have been instructed to ensure that all social security programmes are implemented in the area and not a single person is left out.