No Justification For Not Using CAMPA Funds : Supreme Court Seeks Details From States/UTs On Amounts Spent For Afforestation

“We find no justification in the State Governments/Union Territories not using the said fund for the purpose of afforestation and allied activities.,” the Court observed in its order.

The Bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan passed this order after the Amicus highlighted that in most of the States/Union Territories, the utilization of this Fund has been less than 50% for the period ranging from 2018 to 2024.

The Court noted that the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 was enacted in pursuance of its direction. In view of this, the Court directed the States and UTs to file an affidavit on the following points:

1. As to how much amount has been spent by the respective State Governments/Union Territories on afforestation and allied activities.
2. The reasons as to why the balance CAMPA fund has not been utilized.
3. The purposes for which the said fund has been utilized. iv. As to whether the Steering Committees, as contemplated under Sections 11 and 18 of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 have been constituted and what functions they have discharged in the last five years.
4. The affidavit shall also state as to how much amount in the current financial year has been utilized for the afforestation and allied activities.

The last date for filling these affidavits was today and the matter is listed tomorrow for hearing.

Case Title: IN RE : T.N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 202/1995

Click here to read the order