‘Critical concern’: SC seeks Uttarakhand govt reply over ‘misuse’ of environmental funds

The CAG report, which examined the usage of CAMPA funds from 2019-2022, revealed a number of monetary irregularities.

Apart from making purported unauthorised purchases of iPhones, laptops, fridges, coolers, and workplace renovations, funds have been additionally reportedly used for combating courtroom circumstances and private bills.

It additionally referred to non-payment of curiosity amounting to Rs 275.34 crore between 2019-20 and 2021-22, regardless of repeated requests from CAMPA authorities.

The report stated the state authorities acknowledged the difficulty and claimed that Rs 150 crore of the curiosity legal responsibility was deposited in July 2023. Nevertheless, a considerable quantity remained unaccounted for, it was alleged.

The bench stated if a passable response was not obtained by March 19, it would ask the chief secretary to look earlier than it.

Stressing on making certain accountability for the correct utilisation of CAMPA funds, the courtroom underlined its crucial position in environmental conservation.

The bench was listening to a 1995 PIL, TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India, over environmental conservation and preservation of forests.