Question 68
1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.
2. People's participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AOptions
BSolution
Let's analyze each statement regarding the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA) Fund:
1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels. This statement is correct. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016, and the subsequent Compensatory Afforestation Fund Rules, 2018, provide for the establishment of a National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) at the central level and State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authorities (State CAMPAs) in each State and Union Territory. These authorities manage the Compensatory Afforestation Fund.
2. People's participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. This statement is incorrect. While the Act and Rules emphasize consultation with Gram Sabhas and local people, particularly for afforestation on forest land, and promote participatory approaches in forest management, they do not make 'people's participation' strictly mandatory in *all* compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Act. The focus is more on the utilization of funds for various afforestation and forest protection activities, with provisions for involving local communities.
CStrategy
For questions on environmental laws and funds, understand the structure and implementation mechanisms (e.g., national vs. state bodies). Be cautious with absolute terms like 'mandatory' when assessing participation requirements, as legal provisions often promote rather than strictly mandate such involvement.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under the Environment & Ecology section of the UPSC Prelims syllabus, specifically focusing on forest management, environmental laws, and related funds.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium. The question tests specific knowledge about the structure and provisions of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016, requiring careful distinction between legal mandates and general best practices.