The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Act serves as a critical instrument in India's environmental conservation efforts, particularly addressing the ecological challenges arising from the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. By establishing a robust institutional framework, the Act ensures that the funds necessary for compensatory afforestation are released and utilized effectively and transparently. This law applies not only to States and Union Territories but also to the Central Government, underscoring its national significance. For aspirants of the IAS Exam, comprehending the nuances of the CAMPA Act is essential. This article delves into the objectives of the CAMPA Act, the structure of state CAMPA authorities, the nature of the CAMPA fund, and its current relevance in environmental conservation.
Objectives of the CAMPA Law
The objectives of the CAMPA Law are clearly defined and aim to promote sustainable afforestation practices while addressing the impact of forest land diversion. The key objectives include:
Promoting Afforestation: The primary aim is to foster afforestation and development activities to compensate for the forest land designated for non-forest uses. This ensures that for every hectare of forest land lost, an equivalent area is afforested elsewhere.
Effective Guidelines: The Act lays down comprehensive guidelines for state authorities to follow, ensuring consistency and efficacy in afforestation efforts.
Technical Support: It facilitates necessary scientific and technological assistance required by the authorities managing the State CAMPA, promoting the use of innovative practices in forest management.
Strategic Recommendations: The Act empowers the authorities to recommend strategic measures to tackle issues arising from inter-state or Centre-State relations regarding forest land usage.
Structure of State CAMPA
State CAMPA is the designated authority in each state responsible for accelerating activities aimed at preserving natural forests and effectively managing wildlife. The governing body of State CAMPA consists of key officials, including:
- Chief Minister: Serves as the Chairperson.
- Minister of Forests: Member of the governing body.
- Minister of Finance: Member contributing financial insights.
- Minister of Planning: Member focused on strategic development.
- Chief Secretary: Senior administrative member.
- Principal Secretaries (Finance and Planning): Members who provide expertise in their respective domains.
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests: Member overseeing forest management.
- Chief Wildlife Warden: Member responsible for wildlife conservation.
- Secretary (Forests): Serves as the Secretary to the governing body.
This multi-faceted structure ensures comprehensive oversight and collaborative efforts towards effective forest management and conservation initiatives.
Understanding the CAMPA Fund
The CAMPA Fund is essentially a financial mechanism established to compensate for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. Under this law, authorities responsible for such diversions must deposit a specified amount, known as compensatory afforestation funds, which is then used for raising and restoring forests. Here are some key aspects of the CAMPA fund:
Origin: The Supreme Court of India, in 2002, directed the establishment of the CAMPA fund in the landmark case of TN Godhavarman Vs. Union of India. The primary goal was to manage and utilize the funds collected as compensation for forest land diversion effectively.
Establishment of CAMPA: Formed in 2004, CAMPA acts as the custodian of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF), ensuring that funds are allocated for their intended purpose.
CAF Act, 2016: Following a 2013 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighting the underutilization of CAMPA funds, the CAF Act was enacted in 2016 and the associated rules were notified in 2018. This act streamlined the management of compensatory afforestation funds.
Distribution of Funds: The fund consists of a National Compensatory Afforestation Fund, which operates under the Public Account of India, and State Compensatory Afforestation Funds established for each state. It is important to note that 90% of the payments collected go to the state funds, while the remaining 10% is retained by the national fund.
Current Status: As of November 2019, all states except Nagaland had set up their respective State CAMPAs, ensuring a more localized approach to afforestation efforts.
Recent Developments and Current Affairs
In a significant move, the Indian government allocated ₹47,436 crores from CAMPA funds to various states in August 2019 to bolster the country's afforestation and environmental objectives. These funds represent long-pending dues accumulated over nearly a decade as environmental compensation from industrial activities.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF)
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, passed by the central government in 2016, established a structured approach to managing funds designated for compensatory afforestation. It shifted the management from an ad hoc authority to a more systematic framework. Here are some details regarding CAF:
Definition: Compensatory afforestation refers to the practice of ensuring that when forest land is diverted for purposes such as mining or industry, the user agency is required to finance the planting of trees over an equivalent area of non-forest land. If such land is unavailable, the agency must compensate for double the area of degraded forest land.
Utilization of Funds: According to the rules, the funds can be employed for various activities, including:
- Treatment of catchment areas
- Assisted natural generation
- Forest management and wildlife protection
- Relocation of villages from protected areas
- Managing human-wildlife conflicts
- Training and awareness generation
- Supply of wood-saving devices and other allied activities
Relevance of CAMPA for UPSC Preparation
The CAMPA Act and its associated frameworks provide vital insights into India’s commitment to sustainable forest management and wildlife protection. For IAS exam aspirants, understanding the intricacies of this legislation is essential. The connection between environmental laws and policies, such as CAMPA, is critical for holistic governance, and awareness of current affairs related to these topics can enhance the depth of preparation for the exam.
UPSC Questions Related to CAMPA
Several questions regarding CAMPA have been posed in previous UPSC examinations. Here are a few sample questions to aid in revision:
What is the CAMPA Act?
- The CAMPA Act seeks to provide an institutional mechanism for the timely and transparent release and utilization of funds designated for compensatory afforestation.
When was CAMPA established?
- The Compensatory Afforestation Fund and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was established in 2004, following directives from the Supreme Court in 2001.
What is the purpose of the CAMPA fund?
- The CAMPA fund is designed to compensate for forest land diverted for non-forest purposes by financing afforestation projects on non-forest or degraded forest lands.
What percentage of the CAMPA fund is allocated to state governments?
- 90% of the funds are allocated to state governments, while the remaining 10% is retained by the central government.
Conclusion
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Act is a landmark legislation in India's pursuit of environmental sustainability and conservation. By providing a well-structured framework for afforestation and establishing a transparent fund management system, CAMPA addresses the challenges posed by deforestation and land use change. Its objectives, governance structure, and fund allocation mechanisms underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving India's rich biodiversity.
For IAS aspirants, mastering the details of the CAMPA Act is essential, as it not only highlights the intersection of environmental policy and governance but also prepares candidates to engage with current ecological issues critically. As India continues to grapple with environmental challenges, understanding laws like CAMPA will be crucial in shaping future conservation efforts and sustainable development practices.
