Supreme Court criticized Uttarakhand government in Uttarakhand Forest Fund case

The Uttarakhand Forest Department Forest Fund case was heard in the Supreme Court today. In which the Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government for allegedly misusing CAMPA funds. Also, the Supreme Court has sought a reply from the Chief Secretary of the state in this matter.

The Uttarakhand Forest Department Forest Fund case was heard by a bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih. In the case, the court emphasized on ensuring accountability for the proper use of CAMPA funds. The bench said CAMPA funds play an important role in environmental protection. According to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the money from the CAMPA fund set for afforestation was allegedly used for unacceptable expenditure including the purchase of iPhones, laptops, fridges. The CAG report, which examined the use of CAMPA funds from 2019-2022, revealed several financial irregularities. In which the funds were used for iPhones, laptops, fridges, coolers and office renovation, besides fighting court cases and personal expenses.

During the hearing, the bench said-

Campa funds are allocated to increase green cover. It is not right to use it in non-acceptable activities. We direct the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to file an affidavit on these aspects, the bench said, adding that despite repeated requests to CAMPA officials, interest of Rs 275.34 crore has not been paid between 2019-20 and 2021-22.

According to the report, the state government admitted the issue and claimed that Rs 150 crore of interest liability was deposited in July 2023. It has been alleged that a considerable amount was not accounted for. The bench made it clear that if the state governments fail to give a satisfactory reply by March 19, it will ask Chief Secretary Radhu Raturi to appear in court. The apex court made these remarks while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding environmental protection and conservation of forests.