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Rajasthan Ministers Rush to Bikaner as Fasting Saints' Health Worsens in Khejri Protest

The Rajasthan government has intervened as the health of several fasting saints and protesters deteriorated during the Khejri tree conservation movement in Bikaner. Minister K.K. Vishnoi, acting on Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's instructions, visited the protest site and held discussions with the Environmental Struggle Committee. Multiple protesters, including saints Laldas and Mangilal, have been hospitalized after losing consciousness during the hunger strike. The protesters vow to continue their fast until the state government provides a written assurance for a Tree Protection Law.

Key Points: Rajasthan Govt Steps In as Khejri Protesters' Health Worsens

  • Ministers visit protest site
  • Multiple protesters hospitalized
  • Demand for written assurance on tree law
  • Over 450 activists on hunger strike
2 min read

Khejri movement: Rajasthan govt steps in as saints' health worsens, minister visits Bikaner

Rajasthan ministers visit Bikaner protest site as fasting saints' health deteriorates. Demands for Khejri tree conservation law continue.

"their hunger strike will continue until the state government provides a written assurance - Environmental Struggle Committee"

Jaipur, Feb 5

With the impact of the ongoing Khejri tree conservation movement in Rajasthan's Bikaner going strong and the health of fasting saints and several protesters deteriorating, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has taken the matter seriously.

Acting on Chief Minister Sharma's instructions, Minister K.K. Vishnoi visited Bikaner on Thursday, reached the protest site, and held discussions with the protesters.

Minister Vishnoi was accompanied by Rajasthan BJP MLAs Pabba Ram Bishnoi and Jaswant Singh Bishnoi as well as State BJP Vice-President Biharilal Bishnoi.

The public representatives met the fasting saints and members of the Environmental Struggle Committee, listened to their demands, and assured them that efforts would be made to find a solution.

While Gordhan Maharaj was addressing the gathering at the protest site, Minister Vishnoi and MLA Jaswant Singh Bishnoi were present on the stage.

During the address, fasting protester Mukharam Dharniya suddenly fainted.

A woman protester also lost consciousness.

Both were immediately taken to a temporary medical facility set up behind the stage.

Earlier, on Wednesday, fasting saints Laldas and Mangilal were admitted to Prince Bijay Singh Memorial Hospital in Bikaner after their health condition worsened.

Leaders of the Environmental Struggle Committee Parasram Bishnoi, Ramgopal Bishnoi, and Subhash Bishnoi clearly said that their hunger strike will continue until the state government provides a written assurance over their demands.

They said the movement has been ongoing for a long time for environmental protection and regional issues, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

The mass protest in front of the Bikaner Collectorate, demanding Khejri tree conservation and the enactment of a Tree Protection Law, entered its fourth day on Thursday.

A total of 458 environmental activists, including 29 saints and 60 women, are participating in the hunger strike, abstaining from both food and water.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, some attention from the CM! But sending a minister after people are collapsing is reactive, not proactive. We need a permanent Tree Protection Law, not just assurances when there's a crisis. The Bishnoi community has always led environmental protection in Rajasthan. Their demands are valid.
D
David E
Respect for the protesters' commitment, but a hunger strike without water is extremely dangerous. I hope the government engages in sincere dialogue quickly. Environmental protection is a global issue, and local movements like this are crucial.
S
Suresh O
The Khejri tree is the lifeline of the Thar desert. Its decline affects farmers, cattle, and the entire ecosystem. The government's delay in acting is shameful. Jai Jai Rajasthan! 🌳
A
Anjali F
While I fully support the cause, I have a respectful criticism. Is a hunger strike to the point of hospitalization the only way to get heard? It puts immense pressure on the administration and the healthcare system. Surely there are other sustained methods of advocacy?
K
Karthik V
458 people on a hunger strike! This shows the depth of public sentiment. The minister's visit is a first step, but a written assurance and a clear timeline for the law are non-negotiable. Our environment can't wait any longer.

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