Census operation gets over in Kotia gram panchayat

Koraput: The Koraput administration on Monday completed the Census operations in the 21 disputed villages of Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block, an area claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Officials said the exercise was conducted smoothly despite geographical challenges and earlier resistance in some villages.

According to charge officer-cum-tehsildar of Pottangi Debendra Dharua, the house listing and enumeration work was completed with the deployment of 21 enumerators and four supervisors.



“The field teams maintained regular visits and ensured timely data capture, with close supervision to maintain accuracy and coverage. Despite the remoteness of several habitations, the teams maintained steady momentum,” Dharua said.

The completion of the Census process assumes significance as Andhra Pradesh is scheduled to begin similar activities in the disputed villages from May 2. The Kotia cluster has remained at the centre of a long-standing boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, police arrested two residents of Uppersembi village, Tadangi Piluka and Tadangi Chiranjeevi, on charges of allegedly instigating villagers not to cooperate with Census officials during the recent enumeration drive. Earlier, officials had faced resistance in Uppersembi and Markar villages, where some residents reportedly refused to share household details and demanded the presence of the district collector.

The arrests drew a sharp reaction from Andhra Pradesh tribal welfare minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani, who objected to the police action and alleged harassment of tribal residents. Addressing a press meet at Salur in Parvathipuram Manyam district on Saturday, she claimed the 21 disputed villages fall under Salur mandal and constituency of Andhra Pradesh. She also alleged that Odisha police frequently entered the villages and intimidated local tribal residents.

However, Pottangi BDO Ramchandra Nayak said the two villagers were arrested for repeatedly obstructing development works and Census operations in the area.

Nayak said the Odisha govt has been implementing several development initiatives in the region, including infrastructure and welfare schemes for tribal residents. “All development activities in Kotia are being taken care of by the Odisha government,” Nayak said.

The Kotia dispute has persisted for decades, with both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming administrative control over 21 of the 28 villages in the panchayat. The matter has been pending before the Supreme Court since 1968.
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