What is Compensatory Afforestation?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Mandated under the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 for any project involving the diversion of forest land.
- 2.
Requires the project proponent to deposit funds for afforestation, which are managed by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
- 3.
The general principle is to plant double the number of trees felled or afforest an equivalent area of non-forest land, or regenerate degraded forest land.
- 4.
Funds are utilized for afforestation, regeneration of forests, protection of forests, wildlife management, and related activities.
- 5.
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act 2016 provides for the establishment of a National CAMPA Fund and State CAMPA Funds.
- 6.
Implementation involves identifying suitable land, planting appropriate species, and ensuring post-planting care and monitoring.
- 7.
The Forest Rights Act 2006 requires the consent of the Gram Sabha for diversion of forest land in areas where tribal communities reside.
- 8.
Aims to mitigate the ecological damage caused by forest diversion and maintain the country's green cover.
Visual Insights
Compensatory Afforestation Process
Flowchart illustrating the process of compensatory afforestation.
- 1.Project Proponent Applies for Forest Land Diversion
- 2.Forest Clearance Granted with Condition of Compensatory Afforestation
- 3.Identification of Land for Afforestation (Non-Forest or Degraded Forest)
- 4.CAMPA Funds Released for Afforestation Activities
- 5.Plantation of Trees (Native Species)
- 6.Monitoring and Evaluation of Plantation Survival
- 7.Long-Term Maintenance of Plantations
Recent Developments
5 developmentsDebates on the effectiveness of compensatory afforestation, particularly regarding survival rates of saplings and ecological value of new plantations.
Concerns about the utilization of the large CAMPA funds, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Focus on urban forestry and peri-urban forestry as part of compensatory afforestation efforts.
Challenges in finding suitable non-forest land for afforestation, leading to reliance on degraded forest land.
Judicial oversight by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the implementation of CAMPA guidelines.