PANAJI
Goa will soon be in position to utilise a substantially larger share of its CAMPA funds for key forestry and wildlife conservation initiatives, including voluntary rehabilitation of human settlements from protected areas, as the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) has relaxed as well as increased the existing spending ceilings under the Net Present Value (NPV) and Interest Fund components.
The move will benefit the forest department by enabling it to channel more funds towards activities such as demarcation of forest boundaries, relocation of villages from protected areas, establishment of wildlife rescue and veterinary treatment centres, and implementation of the Centre's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" plantation initiative.
As per a communication issued by the National CAMPA Authority to the State while inviting Annual Plans of Operation (APOs) for 2026-27, it has said that it can now seek allocations exceeding the current ceiling of 20 per cent under the NPV component. The limit has been proposed to be enhanced to 30 per cent which is 50 per cent of available NPV funds.
Similarly, the ceiling for utilisation of Interest Fund resources is proposed to be increased from the existing 10 per cent to 20 per cent.
The revised framework also permits greater spending on wildlife rescue centres and veterinary facilities for injured wild animals, an area that has gained importance amid increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict across the State.
Another key area that could benefit is the relocation of settlements from protected areas on a voluntary basis, a measure aimed at reducing pressure on ecologically sensitive habitats while improving wildlife conservation outcomes.
The CAMPA Authority noted that several States had sought greater financial flexibility for priority forestry and wildlife interventions aligned with the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018. In response, it has enabled States to propose higher allocations under these components, subject to scrutiny and approval.
The proposal will be placed before the Executive Committee of the National CAMPA Authority for formal approval, during its next meeting this month. However, States, including Goa, have already been advised to factor the revised ceilings into their APO submissions for the 2026-27 financial year.
