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Previous regime diverted 6000 hectares of forest land

Authorities fail to maintain records
3/28/2015
Nitesh Sangral 

Jammu, Mar 28:Owing to failure of the previous National Conference- Congress regime in the Jammu and Kashmir State, 6,281 thousand hectares of forest land was converted for non-forest purposes with any alternative. 

An audit of the program by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that encroachment of forest land had increased by 88 percent from 9214.53 hectares (March 2003) to 17,352 hectares (March 2012). Non-maintenance of books of accounts and non-adoption of Uniform Common Format of Accounts by State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was noticed. 

The report points out, as lackadaisical attitude of the concerned authorities, the basic records including head-wise cash book, ledger account and others were not maintained separately and compensation receipt register didn't provide full details of afforestation compensation money, quantum and nature of land and sanction. The report also disclosed that the state forest policy was prepared in 2010-11 more than 23 years after formulation of National Forest Policy (1988). Working plans were prepared in five out of 30 territorial divisions (TDs) only.

 Due to non-formulation, finalization of working plans for all the TDs against earmarked funding of grant of Rs. 66.52 crore for the period 2012-13 to 2013-14, the Gol released Rs. 16.63 crore only resulting in short release of 49.89 crore. "Of the total expenditure of Rs. 520.67 crore (during 2009-10 to 2013-14), annual administrative expenditure ranged between 86 to 90 percent leaving a meager 10 to 14 percent funds for capital component. This was indicative of less spending on conservation and preservation activities, "an audit report stated.


The audit report further revealed that 6,281 hectares of forest land was diverted for non-forest use without alternate land being obtained. In 136 cases wherein 303.80 hectares of forest land was diverted, neither alternate non-forest land was identified by the TDs nor certificate of non-availability of non-forest land were obtained from the district administration. For 90 sanctions relating to diversion of 123.93 hectares of land for non-forest purpose, Net Present Value (NPV) and Compensatory Afforestation (CA) amounting to 13.40 crore had not been realized by CAMPA. 

The report says Forest Protection Force (FPF) was suffering from shortage of infrastructure, arms, ammunition and communication equipment. Out of the 23 units in the State field staff of 19 units is neither equipped nor trained in use of weapons.

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