SC seeks an explanation from U’khand chief secy on CAMPA fund misuse

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Uttarakhand government for misusing compensatory funds meant for increasing green cover in the state to purchase I-phones, laptops, stationary among other inadmissible expenditures, terming it a “matter of serious concern” and seeking the state chief secretary’s response. The matter came to light after a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, which examined the use of Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority funds made available to the Uttarakhand State Compensatory Afforestation Fund from April 2019 to March 31, 2022, revealed multiple financial irregularities. Posting the matter for hearing on March 19, the bench added: “We direct the chief secretary of Uttarakhand to file an affidavit on these aspects.” The CAG report was presented before the court by senior advocate K Parmeshwar, who is assisting as amicus curiae in a 1995 PIL, TN Godavarman Thirumulpad v Union of India, relating to multiple issues involving protection of forests and wildlife across the country. The CAG report stated: “At the divisional level, ₹13.86 crore were diverted/ expended on inadmissible activities like state scheme — Harella, tiger safari work, renovation of existing buildings, expenses on personage visits, court cases, purchases of I-phone, laptops, fridges, coolers, stationary etc.” The report further said that funds were also reportedly used for fighting court cases and personal expenses.