Odisha deputy CM Kanak verified plantation irregularities during trek to Budharaja Hill

BALANGIR: Deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Monday trekked to the top of Budharaja hill and made an on-the-spot verification of plantation activities after receiving allegations of irregularities.

The stock-taking by Singh Deo exposed impropriety in plantation and led to suspension of a forester.

Singh Deo who also represents Patnagarh Assembly segment, decided to visit the area after people complained that funds running into lakhs of rupees sanctioned for plantation were misappropriated by forest department officials.

The deputy CM was on a visit to his constituency to celebrate Durga Puja and take part in the traditional ‘Laakh Bindha’ (shooting) function at his Raj Khamar house in Patnagarh.