Kerala Government has given nod to exclude residential areas from the buffer zone surrounding protected forests. The State Cabinet today decided to amend the controversial Government order issued in this regard and asked the Forest Department to go ahead with legal remedial measures.<br />'' <br />'' The March 2019 order directed to identify areas within the one-kilometer radius around protected forest ranges as a buffer zone with no relaxation to human habitations.<br />'' <br />''Citing anomalies in the Government order the opposition had kicked off a row over the issue while residents in the forest range also expressed concern over the matter.