CAG Report Exposes Misuse of Afforestation Funds in Uttarakhand

Funds Meant for Tree Plantation Spent on iPhones, Laptops, and Building Renovations

#AfforestationScam #CAGReport #UttarakhandForestFunds

Dehradun, 21st February 2025 – A shocking report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has exposed massive irregularities in the utilization of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds in Uttarakhand. The audit found that money meant for afforestation was diverted towards purchasing iPhones, laptops, fridges, and coolers, as well as renovating buildings and covering court expenses.

According to the CAG report, released for the 2019-2022 period, an estimated ₹13.86 crore was misused for purposes unrelated to compensatory afforestation, violating CAMPA guidelines. The report highlights severe lapses, including delayed plantation, poor tree survival rates, and unauthorized forest land diversion.

Delayed Afforestation, Cost Escalation & Poor Survival Rates

As per CAMPA guidelines, afforestation should be carried out within one year or at most two growing seasons after receiving funds. However, the CAG audit found 37 cases where afforestation was conducted more than eight years after final clearance, leading to a cost escalation of ₹11.54 crore.

Additionally, the survival rate of planted trees was only 33.51%, significantly lower than the required 60-65% as per the Forest Research Institute (FRI). In five forest divisions, 1,204 hectares of land marked for compensatory afforestation was found unsuitable, raising concerns over fraudulent suitability certifications issued by Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs). The report criticized the lack of action against negligent officials responsible for these discrepancies.

State Government’s Financial Mismanagement

The CAG report further revealed that despite repeated requests from CAMPA, the Uttarakhand government failed to pay interest liabilities amounting to ₹275.34 crore between 2019-20 and 2021-22.

Moreover, despite an approved Annual Plan of Operations (APO) worth ₹76.35 crore, no funds were released to the implementing agencies between 2019 and 2022.

Adding to the financial mismanagement, the CEO of CAMPA released funds without the approval of the Head of Forest Force from July 2020 to November 2021, following directives from the Principal Secretary (Forest) in July 2020.

Unauthorized Approvals for Forest Land Diversion

The CAG report also uncovered cases where the Uttarakhand government illegally approved forest land diversions without the mandatory clearance from the central government. Such unauthorized approvals violate the Forest Conservation Act and raise concerns over environmental governance in the state.

CAG Recommendations: Urgent Need for Financial Oversight

The CAG has recommended that the state implement strict budgetary controls and robust financial management systems to prevent fund diversion and misappropriation. The report emphasizes the need for greater transparency, timely afforestation efforts, and accountability for officials involved in fund misuse.

With Uttarakhand’s forests facing increasing deforestation due to infrastructure projects, this misuse of afforestation funds raises serious environmental concerns. Will the state government take corrective action, or will this report remain another unheeded warning?