Losing forest cover not a big deal????

The LDF government seems to have forgotten the promises it made in their election manifesto regarding the rights of forest dwellers and protection of forests. I was really shocked when the honourable electricity minister made a statement that losing forest cover is not a big deal. The protection of forests should be the top priority of the government. The minister's comments come at a time when there is an alarming rise in temperatures due to global warming and a hue outcry to protect the forests.