Himachal failed to utilise afforestation funds, found CAG report -

Shimla, Aug 26,

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A performance audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has revealed glaring lapses in Himachal Pradesh’s management of compensatory afforestation (CA) funds and catchment area treatment (CAT) plans, raising concerns over the state’s environmental safeguards.

The audit, covering the period April 2006 to March 2021, assessed the implementation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the effectiveness of compensatory afforestation measures in the state. It found that despite the creation of the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), nearly Rs 169.73 crore (20%) of approved funds between 2016–22 remained unused.

Irregularities in Fund Use

The report flagged instances of irregular expenditure, including diversion of Rs 6.51 crore towards eco-parks, in violation of compensatory afforestation fund rules. Annual financial statements from 2019–21 were also not finalized, raising questions over accountability.

Further, agencies continued depositing funds in the old accounts even after the creation of the national and state-level CAMPA funds, violating rules notified in 2018.

Delays and Poor Monitoring

Of the 1,018 proposals submitted for forest clearance, as many as 766 cases remained pending, with delays ranging from 8% at the state government level to 93% at the nodal officer level. Incorrect data was also uploaded on the e-Green Watch portal, affecting transparency and decision-making.

On the ground, afforestation work fell short of targets. Against a requirement of 5,213 hectares, plantations were carried out only on 4,284 hectares, with survival rates low and frequent encroachments reported. In some cases, afforestation was undertaken outside degraded forest areas, defeating the very purpose of the scheme.

Financial Losses and Non-Recovery

Due to delays and poor planning, the state incurred an additional liability of Rs 8.72 crore. The report noted non-recovery of Rs 3.29 crore from user agencies and lapses in projects such as the Atal Tunnel debris rehabilitation plan, where ₹12.09 crore remained unutilized even 13 years after project approval.

In another instance, Tata Consultancy Services’ approved afforestation scheme failed to deposit ₹1.86 crore towards plantation costs, resulting in revenue loss.

Watershed Treatment Failures

The CAG also highlighted serious shortcomings in catchment area treatment plans linked to hydropower and irrigation projects. Due to lack of monitoring, Rs 198.73 crore could not be recovered from user agencies, and in three projects where capacities were enhanced beyond approved limits, the forest department failed to raise additional compensatory demands of Rs 8.48 crore.

GIS Findings

A geo-spatial study of 22 sites showed that 83% of afforestation activities were carried out outside designated degraded forests, with 47% even falling within dense forests where plantation was unnecessary. Encroachments and agriculture were also detected on several CA sites, reflecting poor oversight.

Recommendations

The CAG has urged the state government to ensure regular CAMPA meetings, timely utilization of funds, and proper monitoring of afforestation sites. It also recommended creation of a land bank for compensatory afforestation, strict enforcement against encroachment, correction of data on online portals, and recovery of pending dues from user agencies.

Environmental Concern

Forests in Himachal Pradesh play a crucial role in checking soil erosion, regulating water flow, and ensuring water availability for drinking and irrigation. The report underlines that failure to execute afforestation and catchment treatment plans effectively could aggravate the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters, already heightened by climate change.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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