Rayagada: Amid persistent efforts of Andhra Pradesh to claim territory of Odisha in border areas, the neighbouring government had sought permission of the Rayagada district administration to reconstruct a half-built bridge across a creek at Sanalakuti village under Sadar block.
However the district administration has made it clear that if there is a need for any developmental work, it will be only carried out by the Odisha government.
According to reports, Lada village of Andhra Pradesh is 2 km from Sanalakuti village in Rayagada district. Sanalakuti is the only way to reach Lada. To get commuting linkage to the village, the neighbouring government had started a bridge project across a creek near Sanalakuti.
One pillar of the under-construction bridge is in the territory of Andhra Pradesh while two pillars are inside the Odisha territory.
Learning about the development, the Rayagada administration in February this year had directed the Andhra government to halt the construction work.
An engineer of the nighbouring state visited the construction site Tuesday. At this time, Rayagada tehsildar Umashanakr Behera, BDO Laxminarayan Sabat and officials of the revenue and the panchayati raj department rushed to the spot and ordered the engineer to stop the work.
“The Odisha government will carry out all the developmental work in the village,” they said.
It may be noted that there is a 240 metre road from the PWD road up to the limits of Sanalakuti border. Another 140 metre CC road is also there.
“The remaining 100 metre road and the bridge will be done by the Odisha government. The work is getting delayed due to monsoon,” the BDO said.
He also added that the developmental work will be done after holding discussions with the Collector.
The tehsildar said that the Andhra officials had taken stock of their territory in the presence of Odisha officials.