Chandigarh, April 15:- The Haryana Government has approved an annual action plan of Rs 298.43 crore for Compensatory Forestry Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) with the aim of promoting environmental balance and climate adaptability. Under the scheme, more than 20 lakh saplings will be planted on 1,882 hectares of land. Along with this, the already planted saplings in 4,518 hectares of area will also be protected and maintained, so that the sustainability and survival of the saplings can be ensured.
This decision was taken in the 10th Steering Committee meeting of CAMPA held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Rastogi.
Presiding over the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that the approved action plan is not just a financial provision but a strategic investment in the environmental future of the state. He laid special emphasis on result-based approach, accountability and time-bound implementation.
To reduce pollution and temperature rise in urban areas, dense urban forests will be developed in 16 hectares of the state using Miyawaki technology. These rapidly growing forests will help in increasing green cover in urban and semi-urban areas and improving air quality.
To promote green energy, solar power systems of 15 kW capacity will be installed in forest offices of 22 districts of the state. This initiative, funded under CAMPA, will help in reducing dependence on conventional power, reducing operational costs and reducing carbon emissions.
Considering the environmental sensitivity of the Shivalik hills and the Aravalli region, an amount of more than Rs. 33 crore has been approved for catchment area treatment works in these areas. Under these works, attention will be paid to soil conservation, water harvesting and restoration of damaged land. This will also create employment opportunities for the local communities.
To strengthen forest and wildlife conservation, approval has been given to establish 20 new forest check posts, deploy 60 more forest guards and purchase of patrol vehicles. Apart from this, approval has also been given to build rescue vans for injured wildlife and residential quarters for field staff.
Under the scheme, an environmental awareness program named Haritima: Haryanli da Rang, Haryana Ke Sang will also be started, in which students from classes 6 to 10 of government schools will be included. Under this initiative, 70 Eco Camps will be organized across the state, in which students will visit forest areas, wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism sites. The programme is inspired by the Anubhoomi model of Madhya Pradesh, which aims to increase environmental awareness among students through experiential education.
To ensure transparency and effective implementation, a third party monitoring and evaluation has been made in the scheme. A Project Management Unit (PMU) will also be set up for land selection, implementation and coordination between departments.
The scheme will now be sent to the National CAMPA for final approval, after which its implementation will start across the state.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary of Public Works (Buildings and Roads) Department Mr. A. K. Singh and Chairman of CAMPA Executive Committee Mr. K. C. Meena, along with other senior officials.