Supreme Court labels Uttarakhand's fund diversion 'trivial'

The Supreme Court of India ruled on March 19, 2025, that the Uttarakhand Forest Department's use of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds was "trivial." The court stated that items purchased, such as mobile phones, were used for official duties like forest patrolling. Justice B.R. Gavai, leading the Bench, warned the State against similar actions in the future as it closed the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned that actions were taken against officials for improper spending of these funds. Earlier hearings revealed concerns about CAMPA funds being misused, based on a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). This report highlighted allegations that the Forest Department spent funds on gadgets like iPhones and laptops, which caused public outcry. The court noted that the amount in question represented only 1.8% of the total CAMPA funds. It also ordered the State to pay interest owed to the State Compensatory Afforestation Funds (SCAF) as required by law. The CAG report indicated that ₹275.34 crore in interest was not paid between 2019 and 2022, despite requests. The court emphasized that CAMPA funds should only support efforts to improve green cover and warned against their misuse for non-relevant activities. The State acknowledged the issues raised and reported the deposit of ₹150 crore of the owed interest as of July 2023.