In a significant step towards addressing long-standing developmental and border issues in the disputed Kotia region, the Kotia Committee is set to convene an important meeting on Wednesday. Chaired by the Revenue Minister, the session will take place at Lok Seva Bhawan at 11 AM.
The agenda includes deliberations on a comprehensive roadmap for Kotia’s development, focusing on key sectors such as health infrastructure, employment generation, investment opportunities, enhancement of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), skill development programs, construction of residential schools, and a dedicated package under welfare schemes for the underprivileged. Sources indicate that discussions will extend to educational facilities in Bhubaneswar for meritorious students from Kotia, establishment of advanced health centers, Jan Aushadhi (generic medicine) outlets, tourism promotion at Deomali, temple renovations, market infrastructure upgrades, and resolution strategies for the 21 disputed villages. A detailed review of the ongoing border dispute in the Supreme Court is also slated for discussion.
Further, the meeting will address improvements to the Jagannath Temple in Ganjeipada and Deomali, including arrangements for the annual Rath Yatra festival. Emphasis will be placed on bolstering market systems in areas like Patangi to facilitate greater influx of agricultural produce, with a roadmap prepared to enhance transportation and sales channels for farmers.
A critical focus will be on the state government’s proactive measures regarding the 21 disputed village clusters. Progress in the Supreme Court case on the Kotia border dispute will be thoroughly examined, aiming to streamline resolutions and foster inclusive growth.
Building on decisions from the prior meeting, the review of the Master Plan for a Bikashita Kotia—based on a report from the Koraput District Collector—highlights ongoing initiatives across multiple departments. Investment prospects have been identified in various sectors within the Kotia Gram Panchayat, signaling potential economic upliftment.
In the health domain, the Koraput Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) has been directed to propose the establishment of an additional health center equipped with pediatric and obstetrics & gynecology facilities, along with a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, strategically located at an equidistant point from seven disputed villages to ensure accessible care.
On infrastructure, the report notes that most roads serving the 21 disputed Kotia villages have been constructed from the Odisha side. Some access routes enter via Neradi Balasa village from the Andhra Pradesh border. To improve connectivity, the Rural Development Department has been instructed to upgrade roads linking Deomali and Doliambu.
Key road projects are progressing steadily. The Aparakanti-Deomali Hilltop road has been fully completed, while work on the Kotia-Deomali route via Katraguda is underway and expected to be finalized by March 2026.
