Khejri Conservation Movement in Rajasthan Escalates with Massive Women's Participation
The movement to protect the Khejri tree, Rajasthan's state tree, continues to gain significant momentum in Bikaner, marked by increasing public involvement, particularly from women. The protest, now in its eighth day, saw a major escalation with a massive kalash yatra (pot procession) that drew the participation of over 10,000 women, highlighting the grassroots support for environmental conservation.
Failed Talks and Intensified Agitation
The agitation intensified following unsuccessful discussions between a delegation of saints and the Chief Minister in Jaipur. After the talks failed to yield results, the delegation returned to Bikaner on Monday and announced that the future strategy of the movement would be decided imminently. Meanwhile, the relay hunger strike entered another day, with approximately 150 protesters continuing their fast at the site, demanding stringent action against the illegal cutting of Khejri trees across the region.
Key Demands for Tree Protection Legislation
Mokhram Dharniya, a senior member of the Sangharsh Bachao Samiti, emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and unified law to safeguard trees throughout Rajasthan. He outlined several critical demands from the protesters:
- An immediate survey and legal protection for all Khejri trees located within solar company premises.
- Annual land records to document Khejri trees across the state to ensure accountability.
- Treating illegal cutting of the state tree as a loss of government property with severe penalties.
"Our key demand is a provision of at least three years' imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh for tree felling," stated Dharniya, underscoring the need for deterrent measures.
Environmental Safeguards and Wildlife Protection
The movement also calls for mandatory environmental impact assessments by forest officials before land is allocated to solar companies. Activists demand that 20% of land acquired by solar firms be reserved specifically for tree conservation efforts. Furthermore, they seek legal assurances for the protection of wildlife dependent on these trees, including nests, shelters, chicks, and eggs, to preserve biodiversity.
Unified Legal Framework for Tree Conservation
Protesters urged that all trees and wildlife found on various types of government land—such as revenue land, forest land, grazing grounds, orans (sacred groves), and other public areas—be placed under the direct responsibility of the forest department. They advocate for a single, uniform protection law to replace the current fragmented regulations. "At present, forest and revenue authorities cannot take action against offenders if Khejri trees are cut on revenue land. We want a law to stop this," Dharniya explained, highlighting the legal gaps that need addressing.
The growing public participation, especially from women, signals a robust community-driven effort to protect Rajasthan's ecological heritage, with demands poised to influence state policy on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
