Odisha's Relations with Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal

Flashcards define key terms and concepts related to Odisha's complex relationships with Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, including border and water disputes, cultural ties, and recent developments.

Kotia border dispute

Long-standing territorial dispute over the Kotia group of 21 villages in Koraput district; Odisha administers the area, with cases heard by the Supreme Court; Parliament is seen as the final resolution authority per 2006 guidance; issue affects local governance and development.

Vamsadhara river water dispute

Water-sharing dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the Vamsadhara river; AP has built projects that Odisha objects to; formation of a tribunal and a pending Supreme Court case; some issues addressed through inter-state agreements.

Mahanadi river water dispute

Dispute over downstream water sharing of the Mahanadi between Odisha and Chhattisgarh; upstream projects by Chhattisgarh raise concerns in Odisha; a tribunal was formed in 2018; talks and technical committees continue.

Baitarani river border change

Border dispute arising from a change in the course of the Baitarani river, affecting Odisha–Jharkhand border alignment and prompting inspections and negotiations.

Shared tribal heritage in border districts

Border districts (e.g., Nuapada–Malkangiri; Mayurbhanj–Sundargarh) share tribal cultures and exchange, strengthening cultural ties across state lines.

Odia-speaking population in Jharkhand

Presence of Odia-speaking communities in Jharkhand’s border districts (e.g., East/South Singhbhum), contributing to cultural overlap.

NCST 2023 notice on tribal neglect

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes notice (2023) highlighting neglect of tribals in disputed border villages and urging attention to welfare.

Rosogolla origin dispute

Cultural tension between Odisha and West Bengal over the origin of the rosogolla, illustrating occasional cultural friction despite overall exchange.

Subarnarekha river sand mining dispute

Dispute over illegal sand mining on the Subarnarekha river; National Green Tribunal directives (2018) and 2025 hearings; cross-border concerns and border clarification via geo-referencing.

Kanika Sands island

Odisha’s territorial claim over Kanika Sands island; Union Shipping Ministry (2013) ruled in Odisha’s favor.

Balasore border flare-up (2016)

Border incident in Balasore tied to land plots with West Bengal; led to joint inspections and ongoing border friction.

Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC)

Economic corridor fostering cross-border development and trade between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh; supports fishing, agriculture, and regional integration.

Puri–Bengali tourism link

Strong cultural and economic ties evidenced by large Bengali tourist influx to Puri.

Ganjam–Gajapati cross-border culture

Border districts with blended Odia and Telugu cultural elements and regular cultural exchange.

Cross-border trade in minerals and forest products

Significant economic activity across Odisha’s borders (notably with Chhattisgarh) in minerals and forest produce.

Kotia development committee (2025)

In 2025, Odisha formed a high-level committee led by the Revenue and Disaster Management minister to study Kotia ground realities and coordinate development via a single agency.

Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (2018)

Central government tribunal established in 2018 to adjudicate the Mahanadi dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh and guide resolution.

Inter-state dispute resolution mechanisms

Use of tribunals, state-level dialogues, and central mediation to resolve border and water disputes between Odisha and neighbors.

Naxalism in Odisha–Jharkhand border areas

Presence of left-wing extremism in tribal regions requiring coordinated security and development efforts across borders.

Bengal–Bihar–Odisha historical ties (1936)

Shared historical roots when the region was part of the Bengal-Bihar-Odisha province, influencing cultural connections today.

Odisha–West Bengal border security tightening (2025)

Security measures increased at the Odisha–West Bengal border in 2025 amid broader tensions, while keeping the border porous in places.

Nagavali river dispute

Dispute over river waters and project impacts along the Nagavali between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh; related water-sharing and downstream-flow concerns.

Border issues in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj

Minor border disputes involving Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts with neighboring states (Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh) as part of broader inter-state boundary matters.

Nabarangpur–Jharsuguda border disputes (Chhattisgarh)**

Border disputes involving villages in Nabarangpur and Jharsuguda (Odisha) connected to neighboring border states, reflecting evolving boundary alignments.

Odia–Telugu cultural exchanges in Ganjam/Gajapati

Cultural exchange in border areas where Odia and Telugu traditions mingle through language, festivals, and shared communities.