Odisha Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo visits Kotia, lays foundation for power sub-station

By Suryanarayan Panda

Koraput, Jan. 26: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Sunday reaffirmed Odisha’s firm stand on Kotia during his visit to the border region and announced major infrastructure support aimed at addressing long-pending power issues affecting local residents.

Kotia, which has remained a subject of dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh for several decades, continues to be a priority for the present Odisha government, Singh Deo said. “No matter how hard our neighbours try, Kotia cannot be separated from Odisha. Kotia was Odisha yesterday, it is Odisha today, and it will remain Odisha tomorrow,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.

During the recent Kotia Rath Yatra, local residents had drawn the attention of the Deputy Chief Minister to the chronic low-voltage electricity problem in the area and submitted a written memorandum. Taking the issue seriously, the government has approved the construction of a power sub-station in Kotia at an estimated cost of ₹16 crore.

The foundation stone for the project was laid during the visit. Once completed within the next two years, the sub-station is expected to provide stable power supply and bring relief to thousands of residents suffering from poor voltage and erratic electricity.

Earlier in the day, Singh Deo visited Barabhand village, where he interacted with self-help groups engaged in strawberry cultivation, and expressed satisfaction over the agricultural innovations taking place in the region. He also visited Taupad village to observe integrated farming practices, including fish farming, undertaken by local farmer Malki Pangi.

Upon reaching Kotia, the Deputy Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome by the Koraput district and Pattangi block administrations, with traditional tribal Demsa dance performances adding colour to the reception.

Addressing a public gathering, Singh Deo said the present government believes in delivering on its promises. He also expressed optimism about promoting agricultural produce from the region to national and international markets. Agricultural inputs were distributed to selected farmers during the programme.

Among those present were OPTCL Chairman Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha, District Magistrate Manoj Satyavan Mahajan, Superintendent of Police Rohit Verma, CDIO Benudhar Shabar, Additional District Magistrate Premlal Hial, Pattangi Block President Simalap Pangi, BDO Ramakrishna Nayak, Tehsildar Debendra Bahadur Singh Dharua, senior departmental officials, BJP leaders, workers and officials of the Kotia electricity division.