Koraput: The state government has intensified its development projects in the area following the recent intrusion of officials from Andhra Pradesh to launch its social security programmes at the disputed Kotiya panchayat.

It has started with replacing defunct transformers, while undertaking roadwork between Kotiya and Sembi. The administration has also urged field officials to not leave the panchayat headquarters unauthorised.

"Kotiya was never neglected and all our development and social security projects are being implemented at the panchayats. Now, we will expedite those works and the area will be in focus," said Koraput collector Anupam Saha.

The administration has formed a five-member committee, headed by the Pottangi block development officer, to regularly monitor the development activities.

"The committee members will visit the disputed villages on a regular basis and ensure the smooth execution of the development projects," Saha said. Officials said they would shortly conduct gram sabhas and prepare projects according to the needs of local villagers. They also plan to execute safe drinking water, roads and electrification projects on priority basis.

Last week, the collector of Andhra's Vizianagaram district and his officials launched their flagship Janmabhoomi programme at Tolo Ganjeipadar village in the panchayat, taking the Odisha government by surprise.

Odisha and Andhra have been entangled in a legal battle over the ownership of 21 out of the 28 villages under Kotiya panchayat since 1968. In 2006, the Supreme Court had ordered to maintain status quo at the disputed villages.

According to the 2011 census, 4,448 people, mostly from the Kondh tribal community, reside at the 21 villages. The Odisha government has constructed 22 primary schools, including a residential school, and 22 anganwadi centres at the panchayat, apart from establishing a primary health centre, a veterinary centre and a sub-post office.