Andhra Pradesh Rythu Coolie Sangham State president Simhadri Jhansi on Tuesday said that the amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act-1980 would be detrimental to the interests of the society as it would lead to ecological imbalances and drying up of rivers.
The outfit organised a large public meeting, rally and cultural programmes in Parvatipuram to draw public attention to their cause. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jhansi said that through the proposal to amend the Act, the Union government was hoping to benefit the corporate firms which in turn were planning to loot mineral wealth of the country.
“Even the British had given top priority to the conservation of forests as they would ensure ecological balance and a smooth flow of rainwater into the sea. The livelihood of lakhs of tribal people would be affected by the relaxation of norms,” Ms. Jhansi alleged.
