Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA

On March 2, 2020, a Rajya Sabha Member of the ruling party replied about the financial assistance being provided to the Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Highlights

The Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa said that Rs 94,46,585 and Rs 51,24,670 were sanctioned for Kaziranga National Park during the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20. The funds were sanctioned under CAMPA. Apart from this, funds were also transferred under Project Tiger Scheme and Development of Wildlife Habitat Scheme

What were the steps taken withe funds?

The Assam Government has used the allocated fund to deploy Special Rhino Protection Force, Assam Forest Protection Force, Home Guards and front line forest staff. Many platforms and highlands have been constructed in the park. This helps the animals to stay safe during floods. Anti-poaching camps have been organized. Several smart technologies like “Electronic Eye” have been adopted.

The above steps were taken by the Assam State Government with the help of funds allocated

CAMPA

CAMPA is Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. It was established in 2001 and is governed through CAMPA act.

Background

In 2003, the Supreme Court noticed that funds collected for afforestation were underutilized by the states. Therefore, the apex court set up CAMPA to manage the fund. Later in 2015, the act was constituted to regulate the afforestation funds.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020