Srinagar: The National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (AMPA) has approved Rs 272.65 crore for the implementation of the compensatory afforestation scheme in Jammu & Kashmir.
“With reference to letter no. PCCF/CAMPNAPO-2023-24/1329/3293-94 dated 28.01.2023 of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir on the above-mentioned subject, it is to convey the approval of the Executive Committee of the National Authority under Section l5 (l) (i) of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016 for the mandatory and time-bound activities of the Annual Plan of Operation of 2023-24 at total outlay of Rs. 274.05 crore (Rupees two hundred seventy-four crore and five lakhs only). During the 21st meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) of the National Authority, EC has approved an amount of Rs.272.65 crore [Rupees two hundred seventy two crore and sixty five lakhs only],” reads the communique sent to J&K Government by CEO National Authority, CAMPA.
Following the Centre’s approval, the Jammu & Kashmir government has asked different implementing agencies to take immediate action for the execution of works approved in the annual plan of operations.
It has also set a timeline for implementing agencies. In a communique, the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has directed implementing agencies that administrative approval/technical sanction for all works in the APOs shall be done by the competent authority by April 30, 2023.
It has set May 15 and June 15 as deadlines for floating of tenders and evaluation of bids & award of contract, respectively.
The office of PCCF has further directed them that infrastructure works shall be completed by end of February 2024 and efforts should be made to get these completed by end of December 2023.
