A major procurement deal by the Odisha Forest Department has come under the scanner, with the state government ordering a special audit to investigate potential financial irregularities. The probe focuses on the purchase of over a hundred high-end all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) meant for patrolling and emergency firefighting, amid allegations that the vehicles were acquired at rates significantly higher than the prevailing market price.
The Multi-Crore Procurement Under Investigation
The controversy revolves around a substantial purchase made in October 2024. During that period, the state forest department procured a total of 137 all-terrain vehicles for distribution across all its wildlife divisions. This included critical biodiversity zones like the Similipal Tiger Reserve and the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. According to top officials familiar with the deal, the department spent approximately Rs 30 crore on this fleet of vehicles.
The primary stated purpose of the ATVs was to enhance the department's operational capabilities in remote and challenging terrains. Officials highlighted that these vehicles are crucial for accessing inaccessible areas to control forest fires rapidly and for enabling deeper jungle patrols, thereby strengthening conservation efforts.
Customisation Costs and Allegations of Overpricing
However, questions began to arise soon after the procurement. It was reported that the vehicles might have been bought at prices exceeding the standard market rates. Adding to the cost was the customisation undertaken to suit specific regional needs. Each vehicle underwent modifications to carry personnel and equipment like fire blowers directly to fire points, aiming to drastically reduce response times.
"The objective of having ATVs is to shorten the response time after the detection of a fire in the forest. The vehicle is designed to be motorable in high and narrow terrain, thereby facilitating access to seemingly inhospitable points," explained a department official.
While modification is standard for such specialised gear, the costs raised eyebrows. A retired forest officer with knowledge of the developments pointed out, "Each vehicle’s modification cost the department Rs 2-3 lakh. This is quite a high price even with the modification." This combination of high procurement and customisation costs triggered alarm bells, leading to the current investigation.
Government Orders Audit, Officials Maintain Transparency
Following the surfacing of these allegations, the state government directed the Accountant General (AG) to conduct a thorough special audit of the entire procurement process. This move signifies the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the claims of financial impropriety.
When contacted, senior officials defended the purchase while welcoming the scrutiny. Prem Kumar Jha, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), confirmed that the vehicles were procured in October 2024 through a centralised process from his office. "Everything is on record. There is nothing to hide. Let the special audit come up with the facts. We are open to it," Jha stated.
Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia had earlier informed reporters that a probe would be initiated into the purchase of these modified multi-utility vehicles (MUVs). He noted that the procurement had received approval from the PCCF (Wildlife) office based on formal requirements and requisitions submitted by respective Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs).
Apart from their critical role in firefighting and anti-poaching patrols, officials mentioned that the vehicles also serve a secondary purpose. They are occasionally used for facilitating jungle safaris and nature trails, enhancing the tourist experience within the state's reserves and sanctuaries. The outcome of the special audit is now keenly awaited to determine the facts behind this high-value procurement.
