Compensatory Afforestation Fund released to Haryana: RTI reply shows discrepancy in amount received, spent

Between 2009 and 2019, 77% spent only on plantation activities; PCCF attributes difference to funds carried forward

WHILE ‘COMPENSATORY Afforestation Fund’ worth Rs 419.15 crore were released to the Haryana forest and wildlife department in the past decade by the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), the state spent 77 per cent of the funds (Rs 393.12 crore) on plantation activities between January 2009 and December 2019.

The Indian Express received this information in response to an RTI query.

The reply suggests that while 77 per cent of received CAMPA funds were spent on plantation, the remaining 23 per cent was spent on other activities such as purchase of machinery and vehicles (Rs 9.96 crore), soil and moisture conservation works (Rs 25.39 crore), habitat improvement of wildlife wing (Rs 14.85 crore), besides publicity and development wing (Rs 12.01 crore).

Compensatory Afforestation Fund is released to a state against forest land diverted for development activities (non-forest purposes) such as industries, mining and infrastructure, in order to mitigate the impact of deforestation. The compensatory afforestation money is supposed to be collected from the user agency (which wants to divert forest land for non-forest purposes) by the government of the state in which the project is located, and deposited with the central government.

The information procured under the RTI shows a huge difference between the received amount and expenditure every year. In certain years, the expenditure amount is far lesser than the received CAMPA funds, and vice versa in other years.

The information states, “In 2011-12, not a single penny of CAMPA fund was received but expenditure of Rs 17.10 crore was shown. In 2009-10, Rs 19.11 crore CAMPA fund was received and expenditure in the same year was zero. Similarly, in 2011-12, no CAMPA fund was received but expenditure was of Rs 17.10 crore.”

The RTI application was filed seeking information about the total amount of CAMPA funds received and the expenditure on various activities between January 2009 and December 31, 2019.

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The reply states, “Maximum CAMPA fund, Rs 144.20 crore out of Rs 419.15 crore, was released to Haryana in 2018-19. The least was received in 2012-13 when merely Rs 16.45 crore was released by the central government. The maximum CAMPA funds were spent in 2018-19 — Rs 115.25 crore.”

Haryana is divided into north, south, west and central circles in view of forests. The information was supplied by the office of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF)-cum-CEO (CAMPA), Haryana, Vineet Garg.

Funds carried forward, says PCCF

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Haryana, Amarinder Kaur, said, “Usually, we cannot spend the funds received from the central government after the end of the financial year, during which the specific funds were received. But we are allowed to carry forward the CAMPA funds as per requirements. That is the reason behind the difference between the received funds and expenditure. We also receive interest over the CAMPA funds deposited in the bank and we are allowed to spend the interest in other activities related to our department. We can spend CAMPA funds for various things apart from the plantation. These include purchase of machinery, fencing, construction of houses etc.”

Haryana diverted most forest land in North India in last 4 yrs

According to the Forest Survey of India’s latest report of 2019, Haryana diverted the most forest land for non-forest activities in the last four years in Northern India. The state diverted 15.29 sq km (1,529 hectares) out of its 1,584 sq km forest area between January 2015 and February 2019. In 2019, Haryana witnessed merely a 1 per cent increase in its total forest area.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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