The new set of rules, introduced in July 2022, give precedence to "project clearance" instead of the rights of forest people, a panel alleged.

The Madras High Court in its verdict stated, “not even an inch of [Shola] forest land should be encroached."

The state forest department bulldozed houses despite an ongoing stay on any evictions during the pandemic, according to a report.

Activists say any gains in electricity from the dam will come at the cost of indigenous livelihoods, health, and rights.

"Shortcuts that brush off human rights seem good on paper, but the eventual conflict both hurts worker's employment and indefinitely blocks companies' investments."

A prolonged dry spell in parts of north India and Nepal, deficient fire services, and manmade activities have contributed to frequent fire breakouts.

Soaring temperatures and dry weather have led to an "alarming" number of forest fires, officials say.

"The scale of fire is massive. If the [government] does not try to combat it, Odisha’s forest cover may never be the same again."

"The irony is that the people who are constitutionally elected to safeguard ... our environment are the same group of people ... giving said clearances."

Even as forest cover increased, forested land was lost to destructive, pollutive industry and development.

The move comes after pressure from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to free the raw material needed for building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

"The current model of protected areas based on the exclusion of people is not feasible for effectively protecting biodiversity in India."

The government claims the move won't affect conservation efforts, but animal advocates disagree.

Forests hold multitudes of data that helps us understand climate change and the effects of habitat destruction.

Mangroves provide critical protection from storm surges for millions of people who live near coastal water.