Centre Releases Rs 47,436 Crore To Various States For Afforestation
Mumbai: In a recent development, the centre released Rs 47,436 crore to various states in a major boost towards promoting afforestation and achieving green objectives in the country.
The funds released under the Compensation, Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) were handed over by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar at a meeting of state forest ministers and officials here. Minister of State Babul Supriyo was also present.
Javadekar said in the meeting that the state budget for forests will remain unaffected and the money being transferred will be in addition to the state budget.
“It is expected that all states will use this fund towards forestry activities to achieve the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) objectives of enhancing the cover of forest and trees, leading to 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon The equivalent additional carbon sink will be built. Dioxide by the year 2030, “he said.
The official release said that Javadekar emphasized that CAMPA funds cannot be used for salary payments, travel allowances and medical expenses.
The minister said the funds will be used for compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment, wildlife management, aided natural regeneration and forest fire prevention and control works.
Other areas that will be covered are soil and moisture conservation work in forests, improvement of habitat for wildlife, management of biological diversity and biological resources, research in forestry and monitoring of CAMPA works, etc.
The Supreme Court ordered the establishment of the fund in 2001, with the initial experience of states regarding the reduced use of funds collected for compensatory afforestation.
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