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Rajasthan MLA Warns of 5 Million Khejri Trees Felling, Demands Conservation Law

Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati raised an alarm in the Rajasthan Assembly over preparations to cut down nearly 5 million Khejri trees in western Rajasthan. He highlighted that over 2.6 million trees have already been felled in the last 15 years, causing irreversible ecological damage. Bhati invoked the historic sacrifice of Amrita Devi Bishnoi to underscore the cultural and environmental importance of the state tree. He demanded the immediate enactment of a strict Khejri conservation law to prevent desertification and protect local communities.

Key Points: 5 Million Khejri Trees Face Axe in Rajasthan, MLA Seeks Law

  • MLA warns of plan to cut 5 million trees
  • Over 2.6 million already felled in 15 years
  • Khejri is Rajasthan's state tree
  • Felling causes desertification, threatens livelihoods
  • Demand for urgent Khejri conservation law
2 min read

Plan to cut 5 million Khejri trees in West Rajasthan sparks concern; MLA seeks conservation law

Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati warns of plans to cut 5 million Khejri trees in West Rajasthan, urges state govt to enact conservation law.

"The Khejri tree is not merely a plant but the foundation of life, water, and livelihood in the arid landscape. - Ravindra Singh Bhati"

Jaipur, Jan 29

During Zero Hour in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati raised serious concerns over the large-scale felling of Khejri trees in western Rajasthan, warning that preparations were underway to cut down nearly 5 million trees in the region. He urged the state government to immediately enact a Khejri conservation law to protect the iconic desert species.

Addressing the House, Bhati said the Khejri tree is not merely a plant but the foundation of life, water, and livelihood in the arid landscape and is the state tree of Rajasthan.

Recalling the historic sacrifice of Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 363 others, who laid down their lives to protect Khejri trees, he said the legacy of conservation was now under serious threat.

Bhati pointed out that indiscriminate cutting of Khejri trees was causing irreversible damage to the environment, ecology, culture, and socio-economic balance of western Rajasthan.

He informed the Assembly that over the last 15 years, more than 2.6 million Khejri trees have already been felled in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer districts.

Warning of an even larger ecological crisis ahead, the MLA said that plans were in place to cut down an additional 5 million Khejri trees in the coming period across western Rajasthan, intensifying desertification and threatening traditional livelihoods.

Bhati further noted that Rajasthan's state tree (Khejri), state animal (camel), and state bird (Great Indian Bustard) are all facing the risk of extinction, while migration from western Rajasthan continues to rise due to ecological degradation. He said public movements have already begun across the region to save the Khejri tree.

Calling for urgent government intervention, Bhati demanded the enactment of strict and comprehensive laws for Khejri conservation, stressing that protecting the tree was essential to safeguarding Rajasthan's ecological heritage and the future of its desert communities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Jodhpur, I've seen the landscape change. Fewer trees, more dust storms. Where is the plan for afforestation? You can't just cut and not replace. MLA Bhati is right to raise this. Our state tree deserves protection by law. 🌳
D
David E
Visiting Rajasthan, the stark beauty of the desert with those trees was unforgettable. This isn't just an Indian issue, it's a global one. Desertification affects us all. Strong conservation laws are crucial. I hope international attention can help.
A
Aman W
While I agree conservation is key, we also need to hear the other side. Why are they cutting? Is it for infrastructure, agriculture? The article doesn't say. A law is needed, but it must balance ecology with people's livelihoods. Blanket bans rarely work.
S
Shreya B
The connection is clear: cut the trees, lose the water, lose the camels and birds, and then people are forced to migrate. It's a domino effect. We're losing our natural heritage for short-term gains. Public movements must grow louder!
K
Karthik V
2.6 million already gone in 15 years? And now 5 million more? The numbers are staggering. This needs a CBI inquiry into who is sanctioning this and why. Corruption in tree felling is a huge issue. Jai Bishnoi! Protect our green gold.

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