'Wildlife, Forestry schemes worst sufferers due to funds cut'

Schemes related to the Wildlife and Forestry sectors would be the "worst sufferers" due to the reduction in annual budgetary allocation to Environment Ministry for 2015-16, a parliamentary panel today noted.
"The programmes namely National Afforestation Programme, Strengthening of Wildlife Divisions, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats and Animal Welfare are the worst sufferers," noted the panel headed by former Union minister Ashwani Kumar.
The estimated budgetary allocation in 2014-15 for Environment and Ecology sector was Rs 873.8 crores which has come down to Rs 758.16 crore in the current year.
Similarly, the budget allocation of Rs 1,169.20 crore for Forestry and Wildlife sector in 2014-15 has decreased to Rs 688.44 crore this year.

There has been almost 50 per cent reduction in the plan allocation for Centrally sponsored schemes in the current year which are carried out on cost sharing basis with states.
The budget estimate for such schemes have come down to Rs 451.55 crores in the current year from Rs 872 crore in the previous year.

The Committee said it was of the opinion that the increased devolution of funds to the states as a result of 14th Finance Commission's recommendations has resulted in an increased burden on them and they will have to make higher contribution in the Centrally sponsored schemes.

"The primary responsibility for environmental protection must rest with the concerned Union ministry and it cannot avoid responsibility for an effective and coordinated monitoring and protection of environment.
"Close monitoring and corrective steps by the ministry should be taken urgently and an action taken report in this regard be presented. Additional requisite funds, if any, should be made available to the ministry," the committee recommended.