Chhattisgarh News: The government has placed emphasis on accelerating development and providing basic amenities to the people in Naxal-free areas of Chhattisgarh. An important CAMPA review meeting was held on Friday at the Ministry’s Mahanadi Bhawan, chaired by Chief Secretary Vikasshiil. The meeting reviewed works related to forest conservation, environmental development, and the expansion of basic amenities in forest areas.
Bridge, road and building construction will be given priority
The Chief Secretary directed Forest and Climate Change Department officials to prioritize the construction of bridges, access roads, and essential buildings in forest areas under CAMPA funds . He specifically called for accelerating infrastructure development in areas that have been liberated from Naxalism.
The Chief Secretary stated that accelerating development work in these remote areas will strengthen governance’s reach and ensure faster access to government services. This will also help improve transportation and infrastructure for people living in forest areas.
713.73 crore action plan for 2026-27
Officials at the meeting informed that an annual action plan of ₹713.73 billion has been approved for the financial year 2026-27. It has been sent to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for final approval. Approval for ₹436.19 billion has already been received.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of work undertaken under the CAMPA scheme for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26 . Officials were briefed on the current status of various schemes and works.
Focus on forest and wildlife conservation
A number of environmental and forest conservation projects are being continuously carried out in Chhattisgarh with CAMPA funds. These include irrigated and non-irrigated tree plantations, compensatory afforestation, restoration of bamboo forests, and silvicultural work to increase forest density.
Additionally, check dams and ponds are being constructed for wildlife management, pasture development, and water conservation. These works are also working to conserve groundwater and improve connectivity within forest areas.
Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Climate Change Department Mr. Manoj Kumar Pingua, PCCF Mr. Arun Pandey, Principal Secretary of Tribal Development Department Mr. Sonmani Bora, Finance Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, Housing and Environment Secretary Mr. Ankit Anand and CAMPA CEO Mrs. Shalini Raina along with other senior officers were present in the meeting.