51 Mahindra Thar Cars For Rs 7 Crore: Why Odisha Ordered Audit into Extensive Customisation

Bhubaneswar:

The Odisha government has ordered a special audit into alleged irregularities surrounding the purchase and extensive customisation of 51 Mahindra Thar all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department.Last November, the department purchased the ATVs for Rs 7.1 crore (approximately Rs 14 lakh per unit) for wildlife monitoring, patrolling in rugged forest areas, anti-poaching operations, and forest fire prevention.However, questions arose over the additional Rs 5-5.25 crore spent on modifications, amounting to approximately Rs 9.8-10 lakh per vehicle.ALSO READ | 'Why Sell Christian Items In A Hindu Rashtra?’ Viral Odisha Video Has The Internet On Fire

What These Mahindra Thar Cars Are Meant For

These vehicles were intended for field officers and deployed across the state's 22 wildlife divisions, with the highest number, nine, stationed at the Similipal Tiger Reserve, where poaching remains a significant threat.In an order dated December 18, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia directed the Special Audit Team of the Accountant General (A&E), Odisha, to conduct a special audit of the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), focusing on the entire procurement process, approval mechanisms, and the justification for the modifications.The Minister asked the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department to treat the order as 'most urgent' and ensure that the special audit is conducted immediately.

Govt To Examine Whether Due Process Was Followed

A senior official said the audit will examine whether due process was followed while approving the customisation costs, whether the finance department's concurrence was obtained, whether the fitted items were necessary, and whether any external agencies were involved in the process. Action will be taken as per rules if anyone is found guilty.Reports suggest that up to 21 items were added to each vehicle to enhance patrolling efficiency, surveillance, response time, and firefighting capabilities in the challenging forest environment.ALSO READ | Odisha Police Announces Rs 8.4 Crore Reward for Information on 18 Maoists - Check Full List, Helpline NumberEarlier, responding to media reports and questions in the Assembly, Khuntia had emphasised that although the changes were approved based on requests from Divisional Forest Officers and were intended to meet operational needs in remote areas, strict action would be taken against any excessive or improper expenditure.He further stated, "If the money spent on these changes is found to be excessive, our government will investigate the matter and take appropriate action."rerererepor