The funds under CAMPA are charged from industries, organisations and other agencies as compensation for diverting forest land for non-forest use
With the Centre notifying rules for the management of the Rs 66,000 crore available as part of the CAMPA fund, tribal rights activists are worried that the thrust on afforestation would mean more claims on forest land of tribals will end up being rejected.
The funds under CAMPA are charged from industries, organisations and other agencies as compensation for diverting forest land for non-forest use.
CAMPA refers to Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority Act.
As pert the notified rules, 80% of the fund is to be used by states and union territories for plantations and natural regeneration of forest among other things.
Govabhai Rathod of Adivasi Mahasabha said that while the rules are welcome, the thrust on plantation will mean there will be more conflict as far as tribal claims on forest land is concerned.
"I haven't read the rules in the entirety but from what I glanced it is clear that people will have no say in where the plantation is done. It will be some person from Gandhinagar who will decide about these things and the people, including tribals who will get affected will have no say," said Rathod.
He also said that the important thing was to look at the plantation and afforestation activities themselves. "Earlier the focus was on how the plantation could help the locals and villagers who are dependent on the forest. But over the years, the focus has shifted on a plantation that will be of use ot industries and companies," said Rathod.
It should be noted that the compulsory plantation being carried out by the forest department has often brought it into conflict with tribals who claim that forest land that they had been tilling for ages is being usurped for such plantation.
Paulomi Mistry, who has worked with tribals on land and forest rights said that one important and often ignored the aspect of compulsory afforestation is its monitoring. "While everyone focuses on compulsory afforestation, what no one bothers to notice is how much of this afforestation is successful. Where is the monitoring for such afforestation," said Mistry.
As per the notified rules, the fund can also be used for forest fire prevention and wildlife habitat and soil conservation among others.
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