Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati raised concerns about the large-scale felling of Khejri trees in western Rajasthan during the Zero Hour in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. He warned that nearly 5 million trees are at risk of being cut down, which would exacerbate the already severe environmental and ecological damage in the region. Bhati emphasized the importance of the Khejri tree, which is the state tree of Rajasthan, as the foundation of life, water, and livelihood in the arid landscape.
He recalled the historic sacrifice of Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 363 others who gave their lives to protect Khejri trees, highlighting the legacy of conservation that is now under threat. Bhati pointed out that over 2.6 million Khejri trees have already been felled in the past 15 years in districts such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer, causing irreversible damage to the environment, ecology, culture, and socio-economic balance of the region.
The MLA warned that the planned cutting of an additional 5 million Khejri trees would intensify desertification, threatening traditional livelihoods and leading to increased migration from western Rajasthan. He noted that Rajasthan’s state tree, animal, and bird are all facing extinction, and public movements have begun to save the Khejri tree. Bhati called for urgent government intervention, demanding the enactment of strict and comprehensive laws for Khejri conservation to safeguard Rajasthan’s ecological heritage and the future of its desert communities.
Bhati’s plea highlights the critical need for conservation efforts to protect the Khejri tree, which is not only a vital part of the region’s ecosystem but also an iconic symbol of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage. The state government must take immediate action to address the issue and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Khejri tree and the communities that depend on it. The fate of western Rajasthan’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of its people hang in the balance, and it is essential that the government takes proactive steps to prevent further ecological degradation and promote conservation efforts.