People from three Odisha villages urge Govt. permission to merge with AP

Rayagada, Dec 24: At least 10,000 villagers from three villages on the borders of Andhra Pradesh have urged the Odisha Government to allow them to merge with Andhra Pradesh citing several reasons, including their proximity to the neighbouring state.

            The villagers of Anija, Borhalua, and Emplewalsa on Odisha –Andhra Pradesh border virtually depend for everything—from salt to healthcare—on villages and towns of Andhra barely three kilometers away.

            Even their children attend schools and colleges in that State.

            In a memorandum to State government, through the District Collector, they cited that the people in Andhra Pradesh receive their government’s attention and have facilities such as free solar powered Borewells,  power connections and old age pension.

            Only one small bridge on River Nagabali is keeping them away from Odisha, they alleged.