By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir’s Forest department has asked the Sheri-i- Kashmir University for Agricultural Sciences and Training (SKUAST) to review their research proposals due to availability of limited funds for the purpose.
In a letter, a copy of which has been accessed by The Precious Kashmir, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/ Chief Executive Officer, CAMPA, Sarvesh Rai has written to the Dean, Faculty of Forests, SKUAST, to review and submit the proposals for amount not exceeding Rs 12 lakh in the financial year 2022-23.
“The proposals relating to livelihood generating activities from forestry may be given priority,” reads the communiqué.
The letter was written to the varsity on June 29.
The department has asked the SKUAST to submit complete details of recommended proposals, alongwith detailed cost estimate, for approval and release of funds.
On January 7, 2022, the Faculty of Forests, SKUAST had submitted seven research proposals to the department for funding under CAMPA during the ongoing fiscal.
In the past three years, J&K CAMPA has provided significant funding for undertaking studies and publication of documents/research on various matters.
Under the CAMPA, the Government of India has approved annual plan of operations of 2022-23 with total financial outlay of Rs 297.65 crore.
Earlier this year, the National Authority CAMPA approved APO of 2022-23 at total cost of Rs 117.61 crore and deferred Rs 163.91 crore out of proposed outlay of Rs 297.65 crore. On June 2, the National Authority approved deferred items involving Rs 163.91 crore.
CAMPA Act or Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act is a legislation that seeks to provide an appropriate institutional mechanism, both at the Centre and in each State and Union Territory, to ensure expeditious utilization in efficient and transparent manner of amounts released in lieu of forest land diverted for non-forest purpose which would mitigate impact of diversion of such forest land.