Chaturvedi Questions Unusually High Costs Compared to His Earlier ₹14 Lakh Model
A proposed Miyawaki afforestation project in Dehradun has come under scrutiny after Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi raised serious concerns over its estimated cost of ₹52 lakh per hectare. In a letter addressed to the Head of Forest Force, Dhananjai Mohan, in April 2025, Chaturvedi—who currently serves as Chief Conservator of Forests (Research Wing)—questioned the financial viability of the proposal and pointed out several discrepancies.
Discrepancy in Sapling Costs
According to the proposal, the Dehradun Forest Division plans to procure 18,333 saplings at ₹100 each, every year for three consecutive years. Chaturvedi noted that this cost is ten times higher than the standard ₹10 per sapling typically charged by the forest department’s own nurseries.
Previous Model Project Praised for Efficiency
Chaturvedi contrasted the current proposal with his own Miyawaki plantation initiative in Kalsi, Dehradun, which received acclaim for both its scientific approach and cost-efficiency. That project involved the plantation of 9,000 saplings of 70 native species over one hectare and was completed at a cost of approximately ₹14 lakh. It was particularly noted for mitigating soil erosion in the region.
Similar Concerns Raised in Mussoorie Project
Chaturvedi also cited an earlier case in Mussoorie where a project involving the plantation of 7–8-foot-tall saplings priced between ₹100–₹400 each was proposed at a cost of ₹4.25 crore over five years. He criticized that plan as scientifically unsound and financially extravagant. That project did not progress beyond the planning stage, and the allotted funds were returned without any sapling procurement by March 31.
Inquiry Ordered by Forest Minister
In light of Chaturvedi’s complaint, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal has assigned senior officer Kapil Lal to probe the matter. While preliminary work such as pit digging and manure application has already begun in Dehradun, a formal inquiry into the project’s planning and costing is currently underway.
The controversy underscores growing concerns over financial transparency and scientific integrity in government-led afforestation drives, particularly those claiming to follow the dense and space-efficient Miyawaki method.
