BERHAMPUR: Amidst the inter-state border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, a fresh controversy related to an internal boundary conflict between Gajapati and Ganjam districts has surfaced during the ongoing census survey.
The inter-district dispute was reported from Gudukhudi village under Gangabada panchayat in Raigada block of Gajapati on Monday.
Sources said officials from Gajapati administration completed the census survey in Gudukhudi and marked identification numbers on houses as part of the enumeration process. On Monday, another team of officials deputed by the Ganjam administration for Buratal panchayat under Patrapur block arrived in Gudukhudi to conduct a separate census survey. The officials reportedly returned after discovering that the survey had already been completed.
The incident highlighted the lack of clarity regarding boundaries between Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Local residents claimed that the village is identified differently by different administrations. While it is known as Gudukhudi in Gajapati district, it is referred to as ‘Gudikhala’ in Ganjam and ‘Gudipadar’ in neighbouring Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
Villagers admitted that the settlement remains in a disputed zone along the border, with welfare schemes from multiple administrations being allegedly implemented simultaneously in the area.
Sources said the village is officially recognised as a revenue village under Gajapati district. However, authorities from Ganjam district and officials from Andhra Pradesh are allegedly attempting to extend administrative influence over the area.
The controversy has intensified further amid reports that officials from Andhra Pradesh may also visit the village in the coming days for census-related work.
Meanwhile on Tuesday evening, a delegation of Utkal Sammelan visited Manikpatna and Gudukhudi villages to assess the census-related controversy. The delegation held discussions with local public representatives and residents.
Expressing deep concern over the situation, vice-president of the organisation Upanta Sahayal Purnachandra Mohapatra said a letter would be submitted to the chief minister, urging the government to take necessary steps to address the issue.