Odisha government to investigate Thar vehicles modified for Rs 5 crore

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken a key decision. The government has purchased about 51 Mahindra Thar (Thar SUVs) vehicles at a cost of Rs 7 crore. However, an additional Rs 5 crore was spent on customizing the vehicles. After receiving criticism on this, the government stepped in. The Odisha government has issued orders to conduct an investigation into the vehicles purchased by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department.

In November last year, 51 Thar vehicles were purchased at a cost of Rs 7 crore for wildlife monitoring, forest patrolling and anti-poaching operations. Rs 14 lakh was spent on each vehicle. However, another Rs 5 crore was spent on modifying those vehicles. That is, about Rs 9 lakh was spent on each vehicle. These vehicles were handed over to field officers and wildlife division officials in 22 districts. Nine vehicles were allocated for Similipal Tiger Reserve Forest. A larger number of vehicles were allocated due to the high incidence of animal poaching there.

Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia issued special orders to the Special Audit Team in the Accounts General Department on December 18. He ordered a special audit to be conducted in the office of the Principal Chief of Wildlife Conservation. He ordered an investigation into how the vehicles were procured, how the approval was given, and the extent of the modification. However, it is understood that 21 changes were made to each vehicle to make the Thar vehicles off-road capable. It was found that the necessary modifications were made while driving in the forests. They were given metal bumpers at the front and rear. They were fitted with steel wheels and wider tires. They were changed to steel wheels with the idea that they would perform better than alloy wheels.

Minister Khuntia told the Assembly that the Thar vehicles were modified only on the request of the district forest officer, and that action would be taken if it is found that excessive expenditure was incurred.