Jayapur (Koraput): The alleged incorrect depiction of Kotia’s boundary in Google Maps has emerged as a sensitive issue, prompting the Odisha Government to expedite the process of ensuring that the region’s administrative boundary and identity are accurately reflected on digital mapping platforms.

The issue assumes significance as Kotia, located in Koraput district, has long been at the centre of a boundary dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Concerns have now been raised that inaccurate digital mapping could create confusion over the region’s territorial identity.

The matter was initially taken up by the Dandakaranya Vikas Mahamancha, which approached Google India and Google LLC, seeking correction of the boundary shown on the platform. The organisation later submitted a representation to the Surveyor General of India, urging intervention in the matter.

In response, S.P. Karthikeyan, Scientist-G and Group Head (Geo-Spatial Technology and Services Division) at the National Informatics Centre (NIC), clarified that the Survey of India is the competent authority responsible for validating official administrative and territorial boundary data of the country. He also stated that the NIC does not have the authority to directly modify boundaries displayed on commercial mapping platforms.

Dandakaranya Vikas Mahamancha president Gourachandra Tripathy said an incorrect depiction of territorial boundaries on digital maps could create misleading perceptions among people in the future. Given the longstanding sensitivity surrounding the Kotia boundary issue, he stressed that its administrative identity and boundaries must be accurately reflected across digital platforms in accordance with official records.

Congress Legislature Party leader and Pottangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam has also written Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking immediate government intervention. He urged the State Government to engage with Google and coordinate with the Government of India and NIC to ensure uniform and accurate depiction of Odisha’s authorised administrative boundaries across digital mapping platforms.

The State Government has reportedly accorded priority to the matter and assigned Revenue Department Special Secretary SK Jamiruddin to oversee efforts for its resolution.

As part of the process, Tripathy met Jamiruddin at the Lok Seva Bhavan and requested that steps to rectify the digital mapping discrepancy be expedited.

The key demand now is to ensure that the administrative boundary and identity of Kotia are accurately displayed on Google and other digital mapping platforms on the basis of authorised government records.

With the Kotia boundary issue remaining sensitive on the ground, authorities and stakeholders are emphasising the need to safeguard not only the region’s territorial identity physically but also its accurate representation in the digital domain.