Afforestation Funds Spent on iPhones in U’khand in 2019-2022: CAG
In a shocking revelation, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has found that the forest divisions in Uttarakhand diverted a staggering ₹13.86 crore of afforestation funds towards various activities, including the purchase of iPhones, laptops, and building renovation, between 2019 and 2022. The report highlights the laxity and mismanagement of funds meant for environmental conservation, which has raised serious concerns about the state’s commitment to sustainable development.
According to the guidelines, the forest divisions are required to conduct compensatory afforestation within a year or two growing seasons after receiving the funds. However, the CAG report discovered that in 37 cases, compensatory afforestation was executed after more than eight years, which is a blatant violation of the rules.
The report also found that the forest divisions failed to provide adequate details about the expenditure of the funds, leading to opacity and lack of transparency in the utilization of the resources. The CAG has called for immediate action to rectify these irregularities and ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose.
The diversion of afforestation funds towards non-essential items is not only a misuse of public resources but also a blow to the state’s efforts to combat climate change. Uttarakhand is one of the most ecologically sensitive states in the country, and the forest cover in the region plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the environment.
The CAG report has raised several questions about the accountability of the forest divisions and the government’s role in ensuring the effective utilization of funds. The report highlights the need for strong institutional mechanisms to monitor the expenditure of funds and ensure that they are used for the intended purpose.
The diversion of funds towards non-essential items is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there have been several instances of misappropriation of funds meant for environmental conservation. The CAG report has also highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure and resources in the forest divisions, which has hindered their ability to effectively manage the forest resources.
The state government has been criticized for its lack of commitment to environmental conservation. The CAG report has highlighted the need for the government to take immediate action to address the irregularities and ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose.
The diversion of afforestation funds towards non-essential items is not only a misuse of public resources but also a blow to the state’s efforts to combat climate change. Uttarakhand is one of the most ecologically sensitive states in the country, and the forest cover in the region plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the environment.
The CAG report has raised several questions about the accountability of the forest divisions and the government’s role in ensuring the effective utilization of funds. The report highlights the need for strong institutional mechanisms to monitor the expenditure of funds and ensure that they are used for the intended purpose.
The diversion of funds towards non-essential items is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there have been several instances of misappropriation of funds meant for environmental conservation. The CAG report has also highlighted the lack of adequate infrastructure and resources in the forest divisions, which has hindered their ability to effectively manage the forest resources.
The state government has been criticized for its lack of commitment to environmental conservation. The CAG report has highlighted the need for the government to take immediate action to address the irregularities and ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose.
In conclusion, the diversion of afforestation funds towards non-essential items is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The CAG report has highlighted the need for strong institutional mechanisms to monitor the expenditure of funds and ensure that they are used for their intended purpose.
The state government must take immediate action to rectify the irregularities and ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose. The CAG report has also highlighted the need for the government to strengthen the institutional mechanisms to ensure effective management of forest resources.
The people of Uttarakhand and the country at large expect the government to take concrete steps to address the irregularities and ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose. The government must prioritize environmental conservation and ensure that the funds are used to protect the forest cover and combat climate change.
