ZisNews - Breaking News & Updates

BHubaneswar: The Odisha authorities has ordered a departmental poke into into the timber section’s purchase and qualifying of 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles after the ₹12.39-crore expenditure raised questions over financial prudence and operational necessity.Forest and environment minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said that while certain modifications may have been required to meet departmental needs, any expenditure beyond necessity would be thoroughly examined.“The government is examining the matter. Cameras and lights were installed as per operational requirements. However, if any installations are found to be excessive or unnecessary, appropriate action will be taken,” Khuntia said, adding that strict action would follow if anything illegal or suspicious is detected.The forest, environment and climate change department bought 51 vehicles at a cost of around ₹7 crore during the 2024–25 financial year, with each vehicle priced at approximately ₹14 lakh. An additional ₹5 crore was spent on modifications, triggering concerns over whether prior approval was obtained and if the alterations exceeded actual requirements.Defending the purchases, a senior forest department official said the vehicles were essential for preventing forest fires, deploying staff and squads in remote and border areas, wildlife protection, and curbing illegal activities.The official added that, given the rugged terrain in many forested regions, modifications such as specialised tyres, additional lighting, cameras, and sirens were necessary to enhance operational efficiency.The government informed the Assembly earlier this year that the 51 Mahindra Thar vehicles had been procured at a cost of around ₹7.14 crore, while an additional ₹5.25 crore had been spent on modifications. The vehicles were meant for monitoring and regular patrolling on non-motorable roads inside forests.The minister said that the inquiry would focus on why the modifications were carried out and whether the additional expenditure was justified. He assured that appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities or excessive costs are found.

Global News Perspectives

In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.

Customizable News Feed

At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.

Like or Comment on News

Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.

Download the Android App

For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Diverse News Categories

With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.

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

Global News Perspectives

Customizable News Feed

Like or Comment on News

Download the Android App

Diverse News Categories

Category News

Country News