Odisha buys 51 vehicles for ₹7 crore, spends ₹5 crore more on modifications; probe ordered

The Odisha government has ordered a departmental inquiry into the forest department’s purchase of 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles and the large amount of money spent on modifying them. The total spending of about ₹12.39 crore has raised questions about whether the expenses were necessary and properly approved.

The vehicles were bought during the 2024–25 financial year at a cost of around ₹7 crore. However, nearly ₹5 crore more was later spent on modifications. This additional cost has led to concerns about financial discipline and the actual need for such changes.

Why the inquiry was ordered

Forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the government is closely examining the matter. He said that some modifications may have been required to meet the department’s operational needs, but any spending beyond what was truly necessary will be investigated.

The minister explained that the inquiry will focus on two main questions. First, it will look into why the modifications were carried out. Second, it will examine whether the extra expenditure was justified and approved according to rules.

Khuntia said that equipment such as cameras and lights were installed to help forest staff carry out their duties. However, he made it clear that if any installations are found to be excessive or unnecessary, strict action will be taken.

He added that if the inquiry finds anything illegal or suspicious, the government will not hesitate to act against those responsible. The minister assured that public money must be used carefully and only for genuine needs.

The issue came to light after details of the spending were shared in the Odisha Assembly earlier this year. The government informed legislators that the vehicles had been bought for about ₹7.14 crore, while an additional ₹5.25 crore was spent on modifying them.

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Department’s justification and concerns

Defending the decision, a senior forest department official said the vehicles were essential for field operations. According to the official, the Mahindra Thar vehicles were chosen because they can handle rough and difficult terrain inside forest areas.

The official said the vehicles are used for preventing forest fires, deploying staff and squads in remote and border areas, protecting wildlife, and stopping illegal activities such as smuggling and poaching.

Many forest regions in Odisha have non-motorable roads and uneven terrain. The official explained that standard vehicles are often not suitable for such conditions. Because of this, certain modifications were needed to improve safety and performance.

These modifications included specialised tyres for rough roads, additional lighting for night patrols, cameras for monitoring, and sirens for emergency situations. According to the department, these changes were made to increase operational efficiency and ensure the safety of forest staff.

However, questions have been raised about the scale and cost of these modifications. Critics have asked whether all the changes were truly required and whether proper approvals were taken before spending such a large amount.

There are also concerns about whether the cost of modifications, which was close to the cost of purchasing the vehicles themselves, was reasonable. The inquiry will examine if the expenses matched actual field requirements or if there was any wasteful spending.

The minister said the government supports the use of modern equipment for forest protection but stressed that transparency and accountability are equally important. He said every department must follow financial rules and ensure value for public money.

The departmental probe will check purchase records, approval documents, bills for modifications, and the decision-making process involved. Officials responsible for the procurement and modification process may be asked to explain their actions.

The government has said that the inquiry is meant to establish facts and ensure proper use of public funds. It has also assured that the functioning of the forest department will not be disrupted during the investigation.

The outcome of the probe is expected to clarify whether the spending was justified or if corrective steps are needed. If irregularities are found, disciplinary action may follow.

The case has once again highlighted the importance of careful planning and financial oversight in government purchases. The government has reiterated its commitment to transparency and responsible spending in all departments.