PARVATHIPURAM: Unease has gripped the disputed Kotia region once again after Odisha officials forcibly removed solar panels installed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana at Eguva Simbi village in Salur mandal.
The incident has reignited tensions between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, coming close on the heels of the controversial arrest of two tribesmen from the same village earlier this month.
According to sources, the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) had sanctioned rooftop solar units for several tribal families in Eguva Simbi as part of the SC/ST Solarisation Utsav.
A private agency installed 2 kW solar units on rooftops of six beneficiaries. However, Odisha officials, led by the Pottangi tehsildar, entered the village on Thursday evening, dismantled panels from the houses of Marri Sukuli, Tadangi Singuru, Chodipalli Sonnayi, and Tadangi Sonnayi, and shifted them to Kotia police station.
The move has triggered mild tension in the Kotia group of villages with tribals alleging harassment and intimidation despite the Supreme Court’s directives on the disputed border region. Residents expressed fear of continued physical and psychological pressure from Odisha authorities.
It may be recalled that two tribesmen from Eguva Simbi were arrested by Odisha police a couple of weeks ago for allegedly refusing to cooperate with the Census 2027 enumeration. They were later released on bail following intervention by Andhra Pradesh’s Women and Child Welfare and Tribal Welfare Minister, and Salur MLA Gummadi Sandhya Rani, who assured legal assistance and arranged their release.
Local leaders have condemned the removal of solar units, calling it an attempt to undermine welfare schemes extended by AP in the disputed border villages. With tensions simmering, tribals in the region are demanding protection, while officials from AP are expected to raise the issue at higher levels to prevent further confrontations.
