Recent audits have raised concerns regarding the management of compensatory afforestation funds in Uttarakhand. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) conducted an audit covering the period from 2019 to 2022. The findings reveal serious misappropriations and inefficiencies in the utilisation of funds meant for environmental restoration. This has implications for both forest conservation and financial governance in the state.
Misallocation of Funds
The CAG report indicates that Rs 13.86 crore was diverted from compensatory afforestation to unrelated expenses. These included the purchase of consumer goods and building renovations. Such misuse of funds undermines the objectives of afforestation initiatives. It marks a lack of accountability within the forest divisions.
Delays in Afforestation Activities
According to CAMPA guidelines, afforestation should occur within a year or two growing seasons after funds are received. However, the audit found that in 37 cases, afforestation was delayed for over eight years. This delay resulted in an additional cost of Rs 11.54 crore. Timely action is crucial for the success of afforestation efforts.
Low Survival Rates of Planted Trees
The survival rate of trees planted under these programmes stands at a mere 33.51%. This is below the acceptable rate of 60-65% as per the Forest Research Institute’s standards. Poor survival rates indicate ineffective planting practices and inadequate follow-up care for the saplings.
Unsuitable Land for Afforestation
The report also flagged that 1,204.04 hectares of land identified for compensatory afforestation was unsuitable. This raises questions about the certificates of suitability issued by Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs). The lack of proper land assessment reflects negligence in the planning process.
Financial Liabilities and Budgetary Control
The Uttarakhand government failed to discharge interest liabilities amounting to Rs 275.34 crore from 2019-20 to 2021-22. This negligence affects the financial health of CAMPA. The report recommends establishing rigorous budgetary controls to prevent future misappropriations.
Unauthorized Approvals for Land Diversion
The CAG report marks instances of unauthorised approvals for forest land diversion by the state government. These actions were taken without the necessary consent from the central government, violating established protocols. This lack of adherence to regulations jeopardises forest conservation efforts.
Recommendations for Improvement
The CAG has recommended that the state authority implement stricter budgetary controls. Enhanced financial management practices are essential to ensure that funds are used appropriately. Proper oversight mechanisms can help prevent future diversions and mismanagement of afforestation funds.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of misallocation of environmental funds on conservation efforts in India.
- What are the key factors contributing to low survival rates of planted trees in afforestation projects? Explain.
- What is the significance of timely afforestation activities in combating climate change? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Comment on the role of government regulations in forest land diversion. How can adherence to these regulations be improved?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of misallocation of environmental funds on conservation efforts in India.
- Misallocation leads to reduced financial resources for actual conservation activities, undermining efforts to restore ecosystems.
- Funds diverted for unrelated expenses create a lack of accountability within forest departments, eroding public trust.
- Delayed afforestation due to fund mismanagement results in increased costs and reduced effectiveness of conservation initiatives.
- Impact on biodiversity as essential afforestation projects are neglected, leading to habitat loss and species decline.
- Long-term consequences include compromised climate resilience and failure to meet national environmental commitments.
2. What are the key factors contributing to low survival rates of planted trees in afforestation projects? Explain.
- Poor planting techniques and lack of proper care during the initial growth phase affect survival rates.
- Inadequate follow-up maintenance and monitoring lead to high mortality rates of saplings post-planting.
- Unsuitable land conditions, as identified in audits, can hinder the growth of planted trees.
- Environmental stressors such as drought, pests, and diseases can further reduce tree survival rates.
- Insufficient training and awareness among local staff and volunteers about best practices for tree planting and care.
3. What is the significance of timely afforestation activities in combating climate change? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Timely afforestation helps sequester carbon dioxide, thus reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
- Quick establishment of trees enhances biodiversity, creating habitats for various species and promoting ecosystem health.
- Examples like the Green Belt Movement in Kenya demonstrate how timely afforestation can restore degraded lands and improve local climates.
- Rapid afforestation can mitigate soil erosion and improve water retention, aiding in climate resilience.
- Delays in afforestation can lead to increased costs and missed opportunities for immediate environmental benefits.
4. Comment on the role of government regulations in forest land diversion. How can adherence to these regulations be improved?
- Government regulations are crucial for ensuring that forest land is diverted only for necessary and approved projects, protecting ecosystems.
- Unauthorized land diversion undermines conservation efforts and violates established environmental laws.
- Improved training and awareness for government officials on regulatory frameworks can enhance compliance.
- Establishing a transparent approval process with public oversight can ensure adherence to regulations.
- Regular audits and accountability measures can deter unauthorized actions and promote responsible governance in land use.
