Chandigarh, March 2:
The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is deeply committed to increase the area under the forest cover in the State so as to ensure a cleaner and greener environment.
With a view to achieve the abovesaid objective, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department under the guidance of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, is undertaking great efforts. Under the Punjab State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (PUNCAMPA) scheme, the Annual Plan of Operations (APO) for the year 2025-26 has been submitted to National Authority, New Delhi for final approval after its approval by the Steering Committee of State Authority. The afforestation on 2100 hectares is proposed to be carried out during the year 2025-26. During the period 2024-25, Plantation in 1932 hectare area was done.
It is noteworthy that under the provisions of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Rules, 2018 made by the Union Government, the Annual Plan of Operation of State Authority (CAMPA) each year is prepared and got approved from the Steering Committee and finally approved by the National Authority, New Delhi. The afforestation in only forest area is carried out as per the approved APO.
