Gunupur: The construction of a road by Andhra Pradesh on Eridi ghat under this block in Rayagada district is not an overnight development as the neighbouring state was found carrying out the work for over a year, a report said.
The road construction was carried out on Eridi ghat about 2 km from Katagada village in Marama panchayat of this block. The road construction including a culvert is almost complete except for the black topping work of the road. The development has sparked concern among residents in the district.
However, what has surprised many that the local administration remained in complete dark about the development while the rural development department of the neighbouring state has trespassed for over a kilometer into Odisha’s territory and constructed a pucca road.
The neighbouring state carried out drilling in the ghat area, chopped down trees for road construction but not a single field official of the revenue, panchayati raj or forest department had any inkling about the development. This has raised questions on the functioning and efficiency of the officials of the above mentioned departments.
The development is indicative of how various border points in the state have become vulnerable to encroachments. As part of its expansionist policy, the neighbouring state is trespassing into one after another area in the state and later staking claim on them.
The road construction was being carried out from Bhamini in Andhra Pradesh via Eridi in the state to Antijhula, Gujubai and Munimkhol in the neighbouring state. The purpose behind the road construction was to reduce the time and distance taken for travelling from Bhamini to Munimkhol.
Apprised of the development, Gunupur sub-collector Sonal Jena visited the spot last Saturday and took stock of the situation. He directed the block and revenue officials to protect the border points and put up signposts on the border.
Meanwhile, Andhra has stopped the construction work after the sub-collector visited the area. The Marama panchayat officials have started putting up signposts demarcating the state border from Andhra Pradesh.
When contacted, the sub-collector admitted the errors and negligence by the administrative officials. While stating the details regarding his visit with accompanying photographs have been sent to the District Collector for a decision at his end.
PNN