Supreme Court Criticizes Poor Utilization of CAMPA Funds

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the inefficient utilization of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, which are intended for afforestation and restoring green cover. Several states have used less than 50% of the funds allocated from 2018 to 2024. The court has directed states and UTs to provide detailed reports on their expenditure.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday criticized states for not fully utilizing the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) fund, which is meant for restoring green cover lost due to deforestation.

A bench led by Justice B R Gavai noted that many states have underutilized the fund, created for compensatory afforestation and related activities. Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan emphasized that the CAMPA fund is strictly for these purposes.

The apex court was informed that utilization of CAMPA funds in most states and Union Territories has been less than 50% from 2018 to 2024. The court has ordered chief secretaries and administrators to report on afforestation spending and reasons for underutilization. Senior advocate K Parameshwar, assisting as amicus curiae, revealed that many states have filed affidavits on the matter. The bench has directed the Central Empowered Committee to question state officers and submit a comprehensive report by December.

(With inputs from agencies.)