- In a tug-of-war over electricity supply, Andhra Pradesh has stirred controversy by extending power to Raipahad village in the Nandapur block of Koraput district.
- This move has escalated the ongoing border dispute between the two states.
- TPSODL laid the groundwork for electricity distribution in Raipahad, including installing utility poles and transformers.
- Andhra Pradesh’s proactive approach led to a rapid connection of households to its power grid before Odisha could complete its electrification efforts.
- The situation has sparked criticism from villagers and public representatives.
- Despite agreements to withdraw and cease developmental activities, Andhra Pradesh resumed power supply to the village, further complicating the situation.
- In light of these developments, local residents have urged the district administration and block officials to intervene promptly and resolve the electricity dispute.
In a tug-of-war over electricity supply, Andhra Pradesh has stirred controversy by extending power to Raipahad village in the Nandapur block of Koraput district. This move has escalated the ongoing border dispute between the two states, leaving the district administration and locals in a quandary.
Despite the efforts of Tata Power South Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPSODL) to provide electricity to Raipahad, Andhra Pradesh’s swift action in installing infrastructure and initiating power supply has thwarted Odisha’s plans. Consequently, the village is now illuminated by electricity sourced from Andhra Pradesh, much to the dismay of Odisha authorities.
TPSODL had laid the groundwork for electricity distribution in Raipahad, including installing utility poles and transformers. However, Andhra Pradesh’s proactive approach led to a rapid connection of households to its power grid before Odisha could complete its electrification efforts.
The situation has sparked criticism from villagers and public representatives of Golur panchayat, who lament the lack of developmental initiatives and administrative silence regarding Raipahad’s plight. The village’s location on the border has made it a focal point for territorial disputes, with Andhra Pradesh allegedly attempting to sway villagers away from Odisha through various projects and welfare schemes.
Despite previous agreements to withdraw from Raipahad and cease developmental activities, Andhra Pradesh resumed power supply to the village, reneging on its promises and further complicating the situation. The back-and-forth has left the district administration and block officials grappling with the challenge of restoring control over electricity provision.
TPSODL emphasized the need to disconnect Andhra Pradesh’s power supply before Odisha can resume its electrification efforts. Meanwhile, the state government’s housing initiative, Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, remains in limbo as villagers await the resumption of power supply to facilitate construction.
In light of these developments, local residents have urged the district administration and block officials to intervene promptly and resolve the electricity dispute, ensuring uninterrupted access to power for Raipahad village.
The power struggle in Raipahad serves as a microcosm of the larger territorial tensions between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the complexities involved in cross-border governance and infrastructure provision. As stakeholders navigate the intricate web of bureaucratic negotiations, the fate of Raipahad village hangs in the balance, caught between conflicting state interests and the pressing need for essential services.
(With inputs from agencies)
