In a significant move to address the long-standing developmental needs of the Kotia region, the Odisha government has announced the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at fostering socio-economic and cultural progress in the disputed border villages.
The initiative, spearheaded by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, seeks to uplift the lives of Kotia residents through targeted interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and market access, while reaffirming Odisha’s unwavering claim over the region.
The decision was formalised during a high-level meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Friday, chaired by Minister Pujari. The meeting, the first of a dedicated committee formed to address Kotia’s development, focused on creating a master plan to transform the region into a model of sustainable growth. Discussions encompassed critical areas such as road connectivity, healthcare services, and the establishment of a specialised market to ensure fair prices for local farmers’ produce.
Minister Pujari emphasised the state’s commitment to the welfare of Kotia’s residents, stating, “Kotia is an inseparable part of Odisha, and no compromise will be made on this front. Whatever developmental work is required to win the hearts of Kotia’s people will be undertaken by the state government.” He directed officials to collaborate with the district collector and prepare a detailed roadmap within a month, ensuring that the plan addresses the unique challenges faced by the region’s youth and promotes cultural preservation alongside economic growth.
The roadmap will prioritise infrastructure development, including better roads to connect remote villages, improved healthcare facilities to address medical needs, and a dedicated market system to streamline the journey of agricultural produce from farms to buyers.
The meeting also reviewed past efforts and recommendations made by the Assembly House Committee regarding Kotia’s development. Minister Pujari has called for a detailed report on the steps taken so far, which will be presented at the next meeting to ensure continuity and accountability in the implementation process.
The Kotia region, comprising 21 villages on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, has been at the centre of a territorial dispute for decades. Despite Odisha’s loss in a previous Supreme Court case, Minister Pujari reiterated the state’s resolve to revive the legal battle. “We are consulting experienced legal experts to strengthen our case and ensure Kotia remains an integral part of Odisha,” he said. The state is exploring all possible avenues to assert its claim while simultaneously focusing on developmental projects to improve the quality of life for Kotia’s residents.
The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders, including Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha and other committee members.
As the state prepares to roll out this ambitious roadmap, the focus remains on transforming Kotia into a thriving region that reflects Odisha’s commitment to its people.
The next meeting will review the proposed roadmap and finalise actionable steps to bring this vision to fruition.
