Compensatory afforestation for biodiversity loss in Nicobar a bogus argument: Jairam Ramesh

To think you can deforest in Nicobar and manage its ecological impact by doing some compensatory afforestation in Haryana is a bogus argument, said Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member, speaking at the session titled ‘From the Aravallis to the Nicobar: At the edge of ecology’ as part of The Hindu Huddle in Bengaluru on Friday (June 5, 2026).Pointing out that Nicobar is a unique biodiversity spot, the former Union Environment Minister criticised the government for allowing the clearing of forest areas that should never be deforested.Also Read : The Hindu Huddle 2026 Day 1 | Live updatesCultural significance“Large parts of Central India, which is the rich forest bowl of India, are under threat… We are seeing loss of forests and biodiversity that is known and unknown in…

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