‘Compensatory Afforestation Fund has over Rs 40K-cr deposits’

Bhopal, Aug 20 (PTI) Union Environment Minister Anil Davetoday said the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund ishaving deposit of over Rs 40,000 crore since the last 8 years. "Compensatory Afforestation Fund of more than Rs 40,000crore was lying in banks since last 8 years," the UnionMinister of State told reporters here. Dave said 90 per cent of the funds will be given to thestates for afforestation in the area where deforestation hastaken place for developmental activities. Congratulating all the political parties, the Ministersaid passing of CAMPA (National Compensation AfforestationFund Management Planning Authority Bill), GST and other billsin Parliament’s last session show the deep-rooted democraticvalues in our country. He said forests can become a major means of developmentand underlined the need of changing the forests rules andregulations made during the British rule. To a query, Dave said funding of NGOs to disruptdevelopmental activities in India won’t be allowed. At the same time, he said that industrialists will notbe allowed to damage environment for furthering their businessinterest. As per the Minister, he will examine developmentalprojects under his department before clearing them. Dave said he will go by the merits only. PTI LAL NRBIKAJMF