Which of the following scheme/authority was launched to promote afforestation and restoration activities to compensate for the forests being taken for non-forest uses?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was specifically established to manage funds collected for afforestation to compensate for forest land diverted for non-forest (e.g., industrial, mining) purposes.
Its operation is based on the 'polluter pays' principle, where the entity diverting the forest land bears the cost of regenerating an equivalent area of forest.
The entire framework is legally mandated under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act of 2016, making it a statutory obligation for developers.
The name itself, 'Compensatory Afforestation,' directly aligns with the question's focus on compensating for lost forests.

Option B: The National Afforestation Program (NAP) focuses on the rehabilitation of degraded forest areas and promoting community-based forest management. Its primary goal is not to compensate for forest land diverted for industrial projects.
Option C: The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is the parent ministry that formulates national policies and laws related to the environment and forests. While it oversees CAMPA, it is not the specific authority or scheme that manages the compensatory funds.
Option D: The National Forestry Program (NFP) is a broad framework or strategy for the sustainable management of a country's forests. It is not a specific authority or fund dedicated to compensatory afforestation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Environmental Legislation and Compensatory Afforestation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding environmental regulations like CAMPA is crucial for public health, as deforestation can impact air quality, water resources, and the spread of zoonotic diseases.
The funds generated by CAMPA are significant resources for states to increase green cover, which can have positive health outcomes by reducing pollution and creating recreational spaces.
These policies directly link economic development with environmental accountability, a key principle for sustainable public health.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question: a mechanism to 'compensate' for 'forests being taken for non-forest uses'.
The keyword 'compensate' is critical. Look for this concept in the options.
Analyze Option A: 'Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority'. The name itself directly reflects the purpose described in the question.
Evaluate the other options. NAP is for restoring degraded forests, not compensation. MoEF is a ministry, a broader body. NFP is a general strategy.
The direct match between the question's requirement (compensation for afforestation) and the name and function of CAMPA makes it the most logical and correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Environmental Legislation and Compensatory Afforestation
Stem keywords: scheme/authority, afforestation, restoration, compensate, non-forest uses
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.