Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Odisha Orders Audit on Thar Vehicle Spending
The Odisha government is checking if the forest department spent money wisely on special cars.
They bought 51 cars for Rs 7.1 crore and spent another Rs 5 crore to make them better for forest work.
The government wants to make sure the extra money was used correctly.
These cars are used in forests to help with patrolling and fighting fires.
If they find any mistakes, they will take action.
The cars are mostly used in places like the Similipal Tiger Reserve to protect animals and forests.
Odisha government orders special audit for procurement and customisation of 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles.
Total expenditure includes Rs 7.1 crore for purchase and Rs 5 crore for customisation.
Audit to verify due process, finance department consent, necessity of installed items, and engagement of external agencies.
Vehicles customised with 21 items each for faster patrolling, monitoring, and firefighting.
Vehicles deployed in 22 wildlife divisions, with the highest deployment in Similipal Tiger Reserve.
- Who
- Odisha government and forest department
- What
- Special audit ordered for procurement and customisation of Mahindra Thar vehicles
- When
- Audit to be conducted, specific dates not mentioned
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- Alleged irregularities in procurement and customisation process
Government and Auditors
Forest Department Officials
Necessity of Modifications
Government and Auditors
The modifications may be unnecessary or excessive, and strict action will be taken if any irregularities are found.
Forest Department Officials
The modifications are essential for forest operations, including fire control, wildlife protection, and patrolling in difficult terrains.
Procurement Process
Government and Auditors
The procurement and customization process needs to be scrutinized for due process and financial consent.
Forest Department Officials
The vehicles were procured for critical tasks and the modifications were necessary for effective forest management.
- Number of Vehicles Purchased
- 51
- Total Purchase Cost
- Rs 7.1 crore
- Customisation Cost
- Rs 5 crore
- Items Added per Vehicle
- 21
- Deployment Locations
- 22 wildlife divisions
- Highest Deployment
- 9 vehicles in Similipal Tiger Reserve
- Protected Area Network
- 8,869 square km (5.69% of state's area)
Sources
Thar vehicles bought for Rs 7 crore, Rs 5 crore spent on customisation; Odisha govt orders special audit
7 Crores Spent On 51 Thars, 5 Crores On Customisation: Odisha Orders Probe
Why Odisha’s forest department spent Rs 12 crore on 51 Mahindra Thar SUVs
Probe Ordered After Odisha Forest Department Buys Thar SUVs For ₹7 Crore, Spends ₹5 Crore On Modifications
