Mumbai, March 13 -- Environmental activists have strongly opposed the Maharashtra government's proposal seeking dilution of legal protection granted to leopards and have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reject the move, describing it as a harsh and backward step that could undermine wildlife conservation in the country.
According to conservation groups, weakening safeguards for a key species could threaten India's long-standing commitment to protecting biodiversity.
The environment advocacy organisation NatConnect Foundation, in its appeal to the Prime Minister, said that while the safety of human lives is crucial, the protection of wildlife is equally important. The group also pointed out that Modi himself has repeatedly spoke...