T. N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Pursuant to the order passed by this Court on 29-10-2002, T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad (57) v. Union of India,2008 16 SCC 337 in I.A. No. 566, compensatory afforestation fund (for short "CAMPA fund") was created and a fairly large amount is now lying in C.A.M.P.A. fund. All these amounts have been collected from various user agencies for interference with the forests while implementing their schemes. The money was so collected primarily with the intention that it could be utilised for afforestation purpose and also to take remedial measures to see that whatever damage has been done to the forests should be restored. We had also indicated therein that the States should come forward with proposed schemes so that the fund may be utilised for the purpose for which it was collected. The fund is now lying with the ad hoc CAMPA.

(2.) We are told that so far twenty-three proposals have come from various States/Union Territories and are pending consideration of the ad hoc CAMPA. The ad hoc C.A.M.P.A. will scrutinise the feasibility of these proposals and shall file a report within a period of six weeks before this Court. Thereafter further orders will be passed for utilisation of the fund to implement the approved schemes submitted by the various States/UTs. The States/Union Territories which have not submitted their proposals or want to submit fresh proposals may submit their proposals to the ad hoc C.A.M.P.A. within a period of four weeks. Send a copy of this order to the Chief Secretary of each State/Union Territory for taking further steps.

(3.) Status quo, as on today, shall be maintained as regards the maintenance of the account. Issue notice to the States/Union Territories. Four weeks' time is granted to file reply. List after six weeks.