Shri Bhupendra Yadav chairs the 7th Meeting of Governing Body of National CAMPA and reviews Overall Performance of the Authority, at Coimbatore

Why in news

The 7th Meeting of the Governing Body of National CAMPA was held, reviewing overall performance and approving new wildlife and forestry conservation projects. The meeting also reviewed the progress of Net Present Value (NPV) and Compensatory Afforestation (CA) activities and the status of CAMPA funds.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Environment & Ecology, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The 7th Meeting of the Governing Body of National CAMPA was held at CASFOS, Coimbatore.
2. Four new Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Projects for Dolphins, Snow Leopards, Wild Water Buffalo and Indian Rhinoceros were approved.
3. The meeting reviewed the progress of Net Present Value (NPV) and Compensatory Afforestation (CA) activities.
4. The status of CAMPA funds received, approved and transferred during 2025-26 was reviewed.
5. A Certification Audit of the Annual Accounts of National Authority CAMPA for FY 2024-25 was conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India.

Prelims pointers

• National CAMPA Governing Body meeting held in Coimbatore.
• New conservation projects approved for Dolphins, Snow Leopards, Wild Water Buffalo, and Indian Rhinoceros.
• Review of Net Present Value (NPV) and Compensatory Afforestation (CA) progress.
• Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) audits National Authority CAMPA accounts.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) in mitigating the impact of forest land diversion for developmental projects. What are the key challenges and way forward for effective implementation of its objectives?

Static linkage

CAMPA stands for Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. It was established to manage funds collected for compensatory afforestation, which is a process of afforestation carried out in lieu of forest land diverted for non-forest purposes. The authority aims to ensure that the ecological services lost due to diversion of forest land are compensated for.

Significance

The meeting signifies the ongoing efforts by the government to bolster forest and wildlife conservation initiatives. The approval of new projects for endangered species like Snow Leopards and Indian Rhinoceros, along with the review of financial performance and fund utilization, indicates a focus on effective implementation and accountability in conservation efforts. The involvement of the C&AG in auditing the accounts ensures financial transparency and proper management of funds meant for ecological restoration.