TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 16, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai emphasized the need for transparent and rule-based utilization of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds during the third meeting of the Chhattisgarh CAMPA Governing Body, held at the Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan on Monday.
Chairing the meeting, the Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the initiatives undertaken under CAMPA and issued necessary directives to ensure the effective use of resources. Highlighting the importance of Chhattisgarh’s vast forest cover, he said, “Forests occupy 44% of Chhattisgarh’s land area, making the state rich in forest wealth. While we are tenth in the country in terms of geographical area, we rank third in forest area. CAMPA funds play a vital role in preserving and enhancing this invaluable natural asset and must be allocated based on priority needs.”
The meeting featured a detailed presentation by the Chief Executive Officer (CAMPA), outlining key achievements in forest conservation, wildlife protection, and ecological infrastructure. Initiatives such as afforestation, forest village restoration, water conservation, Devgudi preservation, forest road upgrades, nursery development, and riverbank plantations were among the highlighted efforts. The program also covers construction of culverts, pasture development, hi-tech barriers, fire safety mechanisms, and housing for frontline forest personnel.
Officials reported that since 2019-20, Chhattisgarh has received ₹7,297.55 crore from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the CAMPA scheme. Of this, ₹4,010.43 crore has been utilized over the past six years for various projects promoting afforestation and sustainable forest management.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, the State CAMPA has proposed an Annual Plan of Operation (APO) worth ₹694.18 crore to the National CAMPA Authority, of which ₹433.69 crore has been approved to date.
The meeting was attended by Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Richa Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Smt. Niharika Barik Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Basavaraju S., Secretary Housing and Environment Shri Ankit Anand, Secretary Forest and Climate Change Department Shri Amarnath Prasad, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Shri V. Srinivas Rao, and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to sustainable forest management, stating that optimal use of CAMPA funds will not only strengthen forest conservation but also contribute to environmental protection and rural livelihood development.
