According to a response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, former President Ram Nath Kovind's trip to Kaziranga National Park in February of last year cost approximately Rs 1.1 crore. The corpus intended to be used for tiger conservation was used to pay the expenses.
Rohit Chodhury, an activist based in Assam, made the RTI request on May 18, 2022, asking for details on the money utilized during President Kovind's visit to the World Heritage site known for its one-horned rhinoceros. It has a large tiger population as well. The money, according to the response, was used to purchase souvenirs, food, tents, and carpets. A portion of the money was also used to paint the conference center, renovate it, and set up accommodations in tents.
In a previous letter, RTI activist Choudhury informed former Assam Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua about the alleged misuse of funds from the Tiger Conservation Foundation.
Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, while speaking to India Today, said, “We have already initiated a probe, and our department is looking into the matter. The RTI copy which Rohit Chodhury has submitted does not seem to be genuine and only after a thorough investigation will the truth come to light. I don’t think Rohit Chodhury has done a wise thing by dragging the name of the country’s former President into the controversy. He has not only maligned the reputation of the former President but also defamed the image of the state." However, Rohit Chodhury alleged that another Rs 51 lakh was used from the general wildlife fund.
(Image: @thewire_in/ twitter)
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