Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has ordered a special audit into alleged irregularities surrounding the procurement and extensive customisation of 51 Mahindra Thar all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department.
While the ATVs were procured by the department for Rs 7.1 crore (with each unit priced around Rs 14 lakh) in November last year for wildlife monitoring, patrolling on rugged forest terrains, anti-poaching operations, and forest fire prevention, what raised eyebrows was the additional Rs 5-5.25 crore spent on modifications, coming to around Rs 9.8-10 lakh per vehicle.
The vehicles were meant for the field officers and deployed across 22 wildlife divisions in the state, with the highest of nine in Similipal Tiger Reserve, where poaching continues to pose a major threat.
In the order dated December 18, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has instructed 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 justification for the modifications. The minister has asked the additional chief secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department to treat this order as ‘most urgent’ and ensure that the special audit is conducted immediately.
A senior official said the audit would examine whether due process was followed while approving the customisation costs, whether the Finance department’s consent was obtained, the necessity of the items installed, and whether any external agencies were involved in the process. Action as per rules would be initiated if anyone is found guilty.
Reports indicate that up to 21 items were added to each vehicle to enhance patrolling efficiency, surveillance, response times, and firefighting capabilities in challenging forest environments.
Earlier responding to media reports and assembly queries, Khuntia had emphasised that while modifications were approved based on requisitions from Divisional Forest Officers and were aimed at operational needs in remote areas, any excess or unjustified spending would face strict action. “If the money spent on modifications is beyond requirement, our government will investigate it and initiate appropriate action,” he added.
