Campaign to protect Khejri tree in Rajasthan intensifies, health of 17 protesters deteriorates in Bikaner; govt delegation arrives at protest site
A major environmental campaign to protect the Khejri tree, the state tree of Rajasthan, is gaining traction across the state. In Bikaner, the movement intensified on Tuesday when 363 saints and local residents began a hunger strike seeking an immediate ban on the felling of Khejri trees for solar energy projects.
On Wednesday, the third day of the protest, the health of 17 hunger strikers deteriorated. Three of them had to be admitted to PBM Hospital in a serious condition. Two temporary hospitals with 75 beds each have now been set up at the protest site.
A government delegation has arrived at the protest site on Wednesday. The delegation includes Cabinet Minister K.K. Bishnoi, Jaswant Bishnoi, and MLAs Pabbaram and Bihari Lal. The members of the delegation will hold talks with those on hunger strike as part of the 'Save Khejri' movement.
The Mahapadav (mass sit-in) of the Sangharsh Paryavaran Samiti was called for 36 hours. Initially, 363 environmentalists sat on an indefinite fast, which later increased to 450. Among them are 29 saints, one mahant (head priest), and 68 women. The age of the fasting protesters ranges from 18-year-old youths to 80-year-old elders. On Sunday, the health of the protesters was checked. Earlier in the morning, a march was held at the protest site. Advocate Parasaram, representing the movement, said that the government is not serious about Khejri conservation.
This campaign has gained momentum just weeks after a larger movement to protect the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan picked up pace.
Notably, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has openly supported the movement. Sharing a picture of herself worshipping a Khejri tree on social media, she said, "I too worship the Khejri tree. Rising above politics, we all should come forward to protect it. We must save it. I stand with everyone in the campaign to save the Khejri tree and the Oran (pasture land)."
On Sunday, the third day of the 'Save Khejri - Save Nature' movement, 17 of the protesters who were on an indefinite hunger strike were released. Three were admitted to PBM Hospital in serious condition. Now, two makeshift hospitals with 75 beds each have been set up at the protest site.
Demanding stricter laws
The protesters in this movement are demanding that the felling of Khejri trees be stopped immediately. They are also demanding that strict laws be enacted in the state to protect these trees. Since the protest site is very close to the District Collectorate, the administration is on high alert. Robust security arrangements have been made to deal with any untoward situation, and updates are being provided to senior officials every moment.