Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): Fresh tension has surfaced along the Odisha-Andhra border after Andhra Pradesh officials were allegedly found entering villages under Gajapati district and erasing Odisha Government census markings during ongoing house-listing operations. The incident was reported from Manikapatna and Gudikhudi villages under Gangabada Panchayat in Rayagada block of Gajapati district. Villagers alleged that Andhra officials applied lime over Odisha census markings on house walls and replaced them with Andhra enumeration details, creating confusion over administrative identity and survey participation. Residents claimed the villages have long remained under the Odisha administration and continue to receive Odisha Government welfare benefits, including houses sanctioned under the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana after Cyclone Titli in 2018. Following complaints raised by villagers and Gangabada Sarpanch Haribandhu Karji, Gajapati Collector ordered an inquiry by a team led by Paralakhemundi Sub-Collector Anup Kumar Panda. The team, accompanied by revenue and police officials, visited the affected villages and supervised the census operations. After the inspection, the Sub-Collector stated that the villages fall within Odisha and Gajapati district jurisdiction and condemned any alleged attempt to assert authority inside Odisha territory. He said a detailed report would be submitted to the Collector for further action. The incident has once again highlighted sensitivities in the Odisha-Andhra border region, with residents demanding stronger administrative protection and clarity over territorial jurisdiction.
