SLSC approves utilization of CAMPA for Road Construction in Forest Area

State level Steering Committee (SLSC) of State CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi in secretariat conference hall on Wednesday approved the projects for utilization of the interest incurred from CAMPA fund. Principal Secretary Forest & Environment Sri Suresh Chandra Mohapatra outlined the issues relating to the projects for discussion.

The projects and activities of worth Rs.54 crore received the approval of the committee. Chief Secretary Sri Padhi has directed the forest department to establish connectivity to the remote habitations and villages inside the forest area for facilitating delivery of essential services to the people there.

Replying to a media query after the meeting, Addl. PCCF Sri Subash Chandra Swain said that till now State has received around Rs.1155 crore from adhoc CAMPA out of which around Rs1100 cr has been utilized under different Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) up to 2014-15.

The principal activities included afforestation, bald hill plantation, conservation and enhancement of forest, protection of wild life, safety zone plantation, avenue plantation, assisted natural regeneration, natural regeneration, infrastructural development, communication, training & research etc. The APO 2015-16 formulated with plan outlay of Rs.516 cr was sent to Govt of India for approval and release of funds from the month of April, 2016. The funds are yet to be received.

Sri Swain further replied that near about Rs.70.36 cr has been incurred as interest from state CAMPA funds. The committee today approved the activities and projects of worth Rs.54 cr taken up with this interest money.

Development Commissioner Sri R. Balakrishnan participating in the discussion advised the department to have one unified GIS and remote sensing cell in ORSAC so as to avoid duplication in efforts and resources. Review of earlier decisions showed, professional and training experts have been engaged in all Forest Training Institutes. Steps have been taken for establishment of State Forest Academy at Bhubaneswar. For the purpose 30 acre of land have been identified in village Shyamsundarpur under Bhubaneswar Tahasil.

All DFOs have been asked to set up seedling sale centers in their respective divisions and ranges for popularizing plantation in private land. Chief Secretary advised them to make available fruit bearing species for the purpose.