The Union government’s Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) has drastically reduced Karnataka’s demand for funds under wildlife management from Rs 129.53 crore to Rs 29.14 crore for the 2024-25 financial year. Officials have expressed concerns that this reduction will impact critical projects, especially those focused on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Karnataka has accumulated approximately Rs 1,400 crore in funds collected under compensatory afforestation, net present value, and other related rules. These funds are collected from those seeking forest land for non-forest activities such as mining and industries. The Centre, alongside taking a 10% share of various fees paid for forest diversions, also oversees how the funds are spent according to Section 15 of the CAMPA Act.
Karnataka had submitted an Annual Plan of Operations (APO) for projects worth Rs 416.07 crore. However, CAMPA approved only Rs 276.50 crore, with significant cuts in habitat improvement and wildlife management initiatives. For example, the state had proposed Rs 20 crore for a cattle-proof trench to prevent livestock from entering forests, but the authority reduced it to Rs 5 crore. Similarly, the Rs 10 crore plan for enhancing animal rescue centers, including elephant camps, was not approved.
State officials expressed concern over these cuts, emphasizing that the projects were essential for reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Karnataka’s Forest Minister, Eshwar B Khandre, called the central agency’s refusal to approve these projects unfortunate, especially during a period of increasing wildlife-related issues in the state. A Radha Devi, CEO for CAMPA-Karnataka, stated that they were actively working to resolve the issue with the national authority.
Despite some delays in fund releases, the state has been distributing funds for approved projects. Meanwhile, CAMPA National Authority CEO Subhash Chandra explained that fund approvals are based on the state’s past performance and future requirements, which determine the availability of funds for sustainable ecological restoration.