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Odisha Thar News: Odisha government has ordered a probe into the purchase of 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles and modifications worth Rs 5 crore by the forest department, questions have been raised over the expenditure and necessity. The Forest Department says that these vehicles were purchased to prevent forest fires, deployment of personnel in remote and border areas, wildlife conservation and to curb illegal activities.
Bhubaneswar. The Odisha government has ordered an investigation into the Mahindra Thar vehicles purchased by the forest department and the modifications made to them. This decision has been taken after questions were raised regarding the number of vehicles, cost and expenditure incurred on modification. Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said on Wednesday that some changes may be necessary as per departmental needs. But if more expenditure has been incurred, it will be investigated in depth. He clarified that the investigation will look into why the amendments were made and whether the additional expenditure was justified or not.
According to government data, the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change purchased 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles in the financial year 2024-25. About Rs 7 crores were spent on these. That means the cost of one vehicle was approximately Rs 14 lakh. Apart from this, about Rs 5 crore more were spent for the modification of the vehicles. This additional expenditure has given rise to controversy.
The minister said that the government and concerned departments are reviewing the entire matter. He said that the cameras and additional lights were installed keeping in mind the departmental work. But if any fitting is found unnecessary or excessive, action will be taken. If any illegal or suspicious aspect comes to light in the investigation, strict action will be taken.
The Forest Department says that these vehicles were purchased to prevent forest fires, deployment of personnel in remote and border areas, wildlife conservation and to curb illegal activities. According to the department, the terrain of many forest areas is extremely difficult. In such a situation, changes like special tyres, additional lights, cameras and sirens are necessary.
However, questions are also being raised whether prior permission was taken for these amendments and whether all the changes were really necessary. The government says that the investigation will make it clear whether the expenditure was completely as per the working requirements or unnecessary things were added to it. Further action and accountability will be decided on the basis of the investigation report.
