Koraput: In a move to reinforce Odisha’s cultural and historical identity, the district administration celebrated Odisha Divas at Kotia panchayat headquarters in Pottangi block on Tuesday. The celebrations come amid a decades-long legal battle with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh over the ownership of 21 out of the 28 villages under Kotia panchayat.
Koraput district collector Keerthi Vasan V highlighted the significance of the celebration, stating, “As the day marks an important occasion in the state’s formation, which also resulted in the creation of Koraput district and Kotia gram panchayat, it was decided to observe the event at Kotia to generate awareness among people about Odisha’s rich cultural and historical heritage.”
The event attracted thousands of tribal residents, many of whom were unfamiliar with Utkal Divas.
“What is Odisha Divas? We had no idea about it. We never celebrated anything like it, nor had anyone informed us about it. However, today we learned about its importance, as on this day, our state was formed,” said Tamal Kanaya of Tadivalsa village, who attended the celebration.
Kotia has been at the centre of controversy following recent actions by Andhra Pradesh officials, who launched an Aadhaar-based e-KYC programme at Neradivalsa village, allegedly to lure residents into availing social security schemes of the state.
“Kotia has always been a priority for the Odisha govt, and its development will not be compromised at any cost,” the Koraput district collector reaffirmed.
The territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia panchayat has been ongoing since 1968. In 2006, the Supreme Court ordered both states to maintain status quo, yet tensions persist over governance and developmental interventions in the region.