New Delhi: Ex-environment minister Jairam Ramesh said on Thursday that the government and parties that "rubber-stamped" the "insidious" Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 should be questioned, adding that it will take a lengthy fight to protect the rights of forest inhabitants.
On Wednesday, despite protests and a walkout by opposition members over the Manipur issue, the Rajya Sabha passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 after a brief debate.
To make room for zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism facilities in forested areas, the measure would exempt land within 100 km of the country's boundaries from the scope of conservation regulations.—Inputes from Agencies