Instructions Issued to Improve Connectivity in Forest Areas
Raipur, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel directed officials of the Forest and Climate Change Department to prioritize the development of basic infrastructure in forest areas under Chhattisgarh Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, including construction of bridges, culverts, roads, and essential buildings. He specifically instructed that infrastructure development works be expedited in areas recently freed from Naxal influence, so that governance can reach these regions effectively and the pace of development can be accelerated.
The ninth meeting of the CAMPA was held on Tuesday at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel. The meeting primarily reviewed the progress of works for the years 2024–25 and 2025–26, and important decisions were taken regarding future schemes.
Upcoming Action Plan (2026–27)
Officials of the Forest Department informed that an annual action plan of Rs 713.73 crore for the year 2026–27 has been approved and sent to the Government of India (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) for final approval.
Key Areas of CAMPA Work
Officials stated that CAMPA funds are being utilized for several important activities, including afforestation in irrigated and non-irrigated areas, and restoration of bamboo forests. Silvicultural operations are being carried out to increase forest density. Effective measures are also being implemented for improving wildlife habitats and conserving groundwater.
Instructions for Timely Implementation
Keeping the upcoming monsoon in view, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel instructed that all essential works underway in forest areas be completed expeditiously before the onset of rains. Directions were also issued to complete CAMPA-related afforestation, soil conservation, and water conservation works before the monsoon begins.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Climate Change Department, Smt. Richa Sharma; PCCF Shri V. Srinivas Rao; Shri Arun Pandey; Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Smt. Shehla Nigar; Finance Secretary Shri Mukesh Bansal; along with senior officials from the Revenue, Housing & Environment, and Information Technology Departments.
