Uttarakhand’s Afforestation Body Mismanaged Funds

• 27 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

After the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report on Uttarakhand's Compulsory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was released, the body’s Chief Executive Officer stated that they are addressing the flagged issues. 

• The report, covering 2019-20 to 2021-22, found improper spending from Rs 753.89 crore in 43 forest divisions. 

 Key Points 

• CAG Flags CAMPA Expenditure: 
  • The CAG flagged Rs 13.86 crore of the total allocated funds for CAMPA. 
  • The Chief Executive Officer stated that the audit needs verification to determine if the expenditure was approved by the administration. 
• Disputed Purchases: 
  • It was noted that only two mobile phones were purchased and that CAMPA rules do not prohibit such purchases. 
  • CAMPA rules allow spending on communication and IT equipment for forest and wildlife protection. 
• Major Fund Diversions Identified: 
  • The Haridwar, Tons, Nainital, and Narendranagar forest divisions spent Rs 3.6 crore on building renovations, Harela, and fencing, which the CAG flagged as “major diversions.” 
  • The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (Lansdowne division) diverted Rs 1.71 crore for: 
    • Motor road construction for a tiger safari 
    • Elephant protection wall 
    • Forest Rest House repairs 
    • Solar fencing and lantana removal 
  • The CAG stated that the scheme was included in the Annual Plan of Operations (APO) without proper ground-level analysis. 

 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) 

• The CAG of India, as per Article 148 of the Constitution, heads the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD).  
• He/she is responsible for safeguarding the public purse and overseeing the financial system at both the central and state levels.   
• The CAG upholds the Constitution and parliamentary laws in financial administration and is considered one of the key pillars of India's democratic system, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission.  
• CAG of India is governed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987. 

 Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (KTR) 

 

• About: 
  • It is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. 
  • It was formed in 1974 when the northern region of Jim Corbett Park was renamed Kalagarh Tiger Reserve. 
  • Named after the Kalagarh Dam, built on the Ramganga River. 
  • Covers 301.18 sq. km, including Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Jim Corbett Park. 
• Terrain: 
  • Located in the foothills of the Himalayas. 
  • Features a diverse landscape of forests, grasslands, and hills. 
• Flora: 
  • Home to trees like sal, sheesham, semal, bakli, haladu, tun, sain, fig, and bamboo. 
  • Rich in medicinal plants. 
• Fauna: 
  • Hosts a high density of tigers, leopards, elephants, and other wild cats. 
  • Inhabited by various deer species, including chital, barking deer, goral, sambar, and hog deer. 
  • Home to more than 580 bird species, such as kingfishers, wagtails, forktails, pheasants, and hornbills.