Our policies—especially those related to forests—are based on the assumption that we can regenerate natural resources after consumption. The Compensatory Afforestation Programme Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) reflects this idea. But can we truly restore lush green forests after clearing millions of acres? What has CAMPA actually achieved so far?
The CAMPA fund is intended to compensate for the loss of forest land and ecosystem services. It is used not only for compensatory afforestation but also for improving forest quality, conserving biodiversity, enhancing wildlife habitats, controlling forest fires, forest protection, and soil and water conservation. CAMPA activities are implemented by involving local communities in afforestation, nursery development, soil-water conservation, and forest protection activities.
During the financial year 2019–20, following the introduction of new CAMPA fund rules, a total of ₹47,860 crore was allocated to various states. Between 2019–20 and January 2023, Madhya Pradesh received ₹6,120 crore. It is claimed that over 217.8 million saplings have been planted in the state between 2019 and 2024–25. According to the forest department's new action plan, the target is to restore 5 million hectares of forest area over five years. However, tree mortality rates in plantation drives are often alarmingly high. In a rush to meet targets, the forest department frequently fails at restoration because trees are planted inappropriately, in unsuitable locations, and without the cooperation of local communities. Successful afforestation programs must include long-term maintenance plans by those who live and work nearby.
A report released on March 20, 2025, by the Forest Declaration Assessment—supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Climate and Land Use Alliance, and other partners—clearly highlights funding shortfalls. An estimated $460 billion per year is needed to stop deforestation, yet actual financial support falls drastically short. In 2023, private financial institutions invested $6.1 trillion in sectors linked to deforestation, while governments continued to provide $500 billion annually in subsidies that promote environmental degradation rather than conservation.
Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods. In a biodiverse and ecologically rich country like India, forests and trees cover about 827,357 square kilometers—approximately 25.17% of India’s geographical area. Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area among all states, at around 77,073 square kilometers. However, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the state has lost about 612.41 square kilometers of forest and tree cover since 2019, when the area was 77,482 square kilometers.
Deforestation in Madhya Pradesh has become a major issue of national concern. Between 2014 and 2024, approximately 173,000 hectares of forest land across India were approved for non-forestry purposes, with Madhya Pradesh accounting for nearly 22% of that total. The state ranks first in the country for forest clearance approvals for development projects. During this period, the state lost 38,552 hectares of forest land to various public utility projects, according to Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav’s reply in Parliament.
International organizations like Global Forest Watch report that India lost 23,300 square kilometers of tree cover between 2001 and 2023. Alarmingly, 95% of deforestation from 2013 to 2023 occurred in natural forests. Natural forests are complex ecosystems resulting from the interactions among plants, animals, microorganisms, and non-living elements. In contrast, plantations, typically established for forestry or land improvement, usually consist of single-species trees and lack the diversity and complexity of natural forests.
Natural forests absorb 23% more carbon than artificial plantations. According to Eric Lambin from Stanford School of Earth, “If afforestation policies are poorly designed or implemented, there is a risk not just of wasting public funds, but also of increasing carbon emissions and losing biodiversity.” Planting saplings in exchange for felled trees in development projects is often promoted. However, to tackle complex environmental problems—particularly those arising from deforestation—it is vital to reconsider simplistic solutions like compensatory afforestation.
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*Bargi Dam Displaced and Affected Association
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