Koraput district officials crossed a river to deliver cyclone relief in Kotia villages on Wednesday amid poll tension. Officials distributed dry rations and polythene sheets to residents. “Our priority is to ensure that no family in the remote border villages faces hardship due to the cyclone,” said Fabi Rasheed.
Koraput district officials distribute relief materials at a village in Kotia panchayat on Thursday
Koraput district officials wade through a waterlogged village in Kotia panchayat on Thursday
Koraput district officials distribute relief materials at a village in Kotia panchayat on Thursday
Koraput district officials wade through a waterlogged village in Kotia panchayat on Thursday
Koraput district officials distribute relief materials at a village in Kotia panchayat on Thursday
Koraput: With Andhra Pradesh gearing up to hold rural elections in the disputed Kotia region on Nov 5, the Koraput district administration has intensified its outreach to border villagers, with senior officials braving incessant rain triggered by Cyclone Arnab and even crossing a river to deliver relief materials to remote habitations. Pottangi block, under which Kotia falls, recorded 100.1 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8 am Thursday, against the district average of 44.49 mm. Koraput sub-collector Fabi Rasheed, accompanied by Pottangi tehsildar Debendra Dharua and other officials, visited Neredivalsa, Jhakarvalsa and Talasembi villages on Wednesday and distributed dry rations and polythene sheets. The officials encountered a major challenge near Jhakarvalsa, where they had to cross a river to reach the villagers. Undeterred by the difficult terrain, the team continued its door-to-door visits, interacting with residents and assessing their immediate requirements. “Our priority is to ensure that no family in the remote border villages faces hardship due to the cyclone. Despite geographical challenges and adverse weather conditions, we are reaching out to the villagers personally to assess their needs and provide necessary assistance. The administration stands firmly with the people of Kotia,” Rasheed said. The visit assumes significance as Andhra Pradesh prepares to conduct rural elections in the disputed region, bringing the decades-old territorial dispute between the two states into renewed focus. Kotia, comprising 21 disputed villages along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, has remained a contentious issue, with both states claiming administrative jurisdiction. Andhra Pradesh has periodically conducted elections and extended welfare schemes to residents, while Odisha has consistently opposed such activities, asserting that the villages are an integral part of Koraput district. Ahead of the polls, Odisha has stepped up its administrative and police presence in the region. Police personnel have been deployed at three strategic locations — Neredivalsa, Harmadingi Chhack and Talasembi. Against this backdrop, the relief operation is being viewed as an effort to strengthen villagers’ confidence in the Odisha administration through direct engagement and timely assistance. “These villages are located in difficult terrain, and reaching them becomes particularly challenging during heavy rain. Our responsibility is to ensure that people receive essential assistance irrespective of their location,” Dharua said.