NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has relaxed the restrictions on the Buffer Zone issue. The apex court lifted the complete ban on activities within buffer zones. It was the bench headed by BR Gavai that issued the order amending the earlier order. The court stated that the buffer zone will be applicable in matters related to public life.

As per the Supreme Court verdict on June 3 last year, a 1-km eco-sensitive zone was established around the protected forests in the country. Following this, activities, including construction work, were banned in these regions. The bench headed by Justice RB Gavai issued the order today on the plea filed by Real Estate Developers’ Association in Maharashtra seeking clarity in the June 2022 order.