Chief Secretary chairs meeting, Directs Effective Implementation of CAMPA Projects in Ladakh.

Chief Secretary chairs meeting, Directs Effective Implementation of CAMPA Projects in Ladakh.
Leh, October 8, 2026: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a meeting to take stock of the implementation of projects under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) in Ladakh and directed the concerned departments to ensure timely execution, judicious utilisation of funds and need-based interventions at the ground level.
The meeting reviewed budget allocations, expenditure and progress of completed and ongoing works, along with procurement activities and works approved by the Finance Department. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to maintain clear, division-wise details of allocations, works completed, works in progress and proposed interventions.
The meeting discussed plantation, fencing, nurseries, homestay support, sanitation facilities, wildlife protection infrastructure and other works under CAMPA. The Chief Secretary stressed that beneficiaries and locations must be identified transparently and strictly on the basis of genuine needs and field requirements.
Taking note of the challenges faced by villages in wildlife conflict areas, the Chief Secretary directed Wildlife officials to undertake field visits, interact with Nambardars and local communities, and assess the specific requirements of each village. He emphasised that interventions should address broader community needs beyond individual facilities.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed CAMPA works in Zanskar, Kargil and Drass, including equipment, patrolling infrastructure, mobility support, rescue and veterinary facilities. He directed the concerned Forest divisions to submit consolidated, division-wise proposals indicating fund allocation, distribution and the status of procurement and works.
Reviewing nursery and plantation activities in Kargil, he stressed adherence to prescribed guidelines and selection of suitable tree species. He also called for need-based identification of fencing works and beneficiaries in wildlife divisions, with transparent criteria and proper field assessment.
The Chief Secretary further reviewed homestay support and distribution of kits, directing the concerned officers to explore local procurement wherever feasible, ensure quality supplies and prepare village-wise details of beneficiaries and items. He emphasised greater community participation, engagement of local associations and promotion of local products to strengthen rural tourism and livelihoods.
He also called for focused training for local homestay operators on basic hospitality and essential services, with priority to wildlife-affected villages. He suggested involving suitable experts, conducting training at the village level and exploring collaboration with local tourism and community organisations, wherever feasible.
Emphasising community-based conservation and rural tourism, the Chief Secretary called for greater involvement of local volunteers and organisations with experience in wildlife conservation and community mobilisation. He also suggested exploring initiatives such as wildlife experience centres, museums and nature-based tourism activities to showcase Ladakh’s rich wildlife and natural heritage.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to prepare a concrete village-wise action plan, clearly indicating the works required, beneficiaries, locations, concerned Forest divisions and possible implementing agencies. He stated that the progress would be taken up in the next meeting, to be convened within 10 days.
The meeting was attended by Shri S. Rajesh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF); Shri Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, Planning; Shri Mandeep Mittal, IFS; Shri Vishal V. Surve, IFS, DFO Leh; DFO Kargil through virtual mode; and other concerned officers.