In view of the current Odisha-West Bengal border dispute at Udaipur under Bhograi block in Baleswar district, a joint meeting between officials of the two affected districts, Baleswar and Medinipur, was held at a Government guesthouse at Digha in West Bengal.
“The meeting lasted for about two hours. It was fruitful,” said Baleswar Collector Arabind Agarwal. He added that a joint on-ground verification would be held between the States soon on a later date.
The Baleswar officials included the DIG of Police (Eastern Range), Sub-Collector, Tehsildar and BDO. From West Bengal’s side, the Medinipur SP and land officers attended the meeting.
Agarawal said, “When both of us presented our maps, there was virtually no dispute or ambiguity in the map positions. While there is a bit of confusion in the ground position, it has been decided that a joint survey by representatives of both States would be held.
The Medinipur Collector claimed that the pillar at Udaipur belongs to them.
He said, “It is agreed that neither of us will undertake any kind of works till the issue is settled. Besides, we will talk about the disputed villages on the border, including Sahabajipur and Sankhamedi. The current issue will be resolved soon and, subsequently, we will take up village issues.”
Bhograi Tehsildar Harihar Jena said, “When the maps of both States were presented, we found there was no dispute in them. Since it has been decided not to take up constructions, West Bengal will not proceed with construction of a saline embankment, a part of which comes under our jurisdiction.”