ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Jul 4: The Save Arunachal Movement (SAM) has  lodged a complaint in the Special Investigation Cell (SIC) claiming embezzlement of fund worth Rs. 40 Lakh  meant for State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management (CAMPA) schemes by  the officials of Forest Division-Yingkiong, Boleng  and Gram Panchayat members  of Payum Circle, Siang District.
Speaking to the media, Chairperson SAM, Tami Pangu claimed that the implementation of CAMPA schemes within the Payum circle had violated the norms of the CAMPA Act 2016 and its rules for scheme implementation. The CAMPA Act aims to expedite the preservation of natural forests, wildlife, and other related works for the benefit of the state. However, Pangu alleged that the concerned officers of the forest department had embezzled the funds.
Pangu, further highlighted that the schemes, amounting to Rs. 9,71,204 for Gate village, Rs. 11,35,800 for Gasheng village, and Rs. 18,93,000 for Payum village, were sanctioned by the Yingkiong Forest Division in the Upper Subansiri district. These schemes were supposed to be sanctioned and implemented by the Aalo Forest Division and Mechukha Forest Range.
According to the CAMPA Act, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was required to be executed between the department and the landowners, which included conducting a public hearing. However, MoU was carried out without the knowledge of the landowners/villagers in the 2021-22 period.
Based on documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the total sanctioned amount for the plantation in the three villages is reported to be Rs. 40,00,000. However, the concerned department has accounted for only Rs. 13,73,110. This has raised questions among the villagers about the whereabouts of the remaining amount, added Pangu.
SAM also alleged the forest department officials of breaching the established rules and deceiving them. They consider this a serious matter and have cautioned both the SIC and the concerned department to address their demands within the stipulated timeframe.
The officials of the Forest Division Yingiong, Boleng and GP Members could not be contacted for their clarification on the issue despite repeated attempt by this daily.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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