‘Khejri Bachao Andolan': Why Rajasthan is rallying to protect its ‘Kalpavriksha’? Explained

The Rise of Khejri Bachao Andolan

In the sun-baked sands of Rajasthan's Bikaner district, a powerful grassroots movement has taken root, drawing thousands to defend a tree that embodies the state's very soul.

The **Khejri Bachao Andolan**, or Save Khejri Campaign, erupted amid allegations that vast numbers of khejri trees—Rajasthan's official state tree—are being chopped down to make way for sprawling solar power projects.

What started as local outrage in Bikaner has snowballed into a statewide rallying cry, with markets shutting down, religious leaders fasting, and politicians from all sides joining hands.

Over 360 saints and residents kicked off an indefinite hunger strike in early February, first at Polytechnic College before shifting to Bishnoi Dharamshala near the Collectorate.

Women protesters have braved harsh desert weather, some falling ill, while support pours in from neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

This surge reflects deep frustration over what activists call administrative betrayal, with promises of restraint repeatedly broken as axes continue to fall.

Why the Khejri Tree is Rajasthan's 'Kalpavriksha'

Nicknamed the **Kalpavriksha**, or wish-fulfilling tree, the khejri (botanical name Prosopis cineraria) is no ordinary plant in Rajasthan's arid landscapes.

Thriving in harsh desert conditions, it provides vital shade, fodder for livestock from its pods, and edible gum, sustaining rural livelihoods for generations.

For the Bishnoi community, historically tied to conservation ethics, protecting khejri is a sacred duty, echoing legends of environmental stewardship dating back centuries.

In fragile ecosystems where water is scarce, khejri stabilizes soil, supports biodiversity, and offers economic value—its leaves feed goats and camels, key to desert pastoralism.

Lose these trees, and entire local economies crumble, warn experts, as solar parks gobble up land without regard for the balance between renewable energy goals and ecological survival.

Illegal logging reports, like the felling of 159 trees including khejri in Bharatpur's Bayana forest, only heighten fears that unchecked development threatens the Thar Desert's delicate harmony.

Protests Escalate and Government Responds

The andolan entered its sixth day with no signs of letting up, as hunger strikes and massive sit-ins grip Bikaner.

Environmental activist Mokhram Dharniya has led the charge, voicing the crowd's pain after repeated unkept promises.

The administration has betrayed us repeatedly. Over the past year, we have held numerous protests, receiving assurances each time, while the trees continue to be axed. We will not permit the cutting of khejri anymore.

Founder Parasram Bishnoi echoes this resolve, insisting on a specific law criminalizing khejri felling, with fines up to Rs 1 lakh proposed for violations.

Political heavyweights have weighed in: Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma signals draft legislation, while former CMs Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot urge action, with Gehlot stressing environment cannot be sacrificed for development.

Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati rallied youth, hinting at bolder steps like assembly gheraos if needed.

Protesters demand a statewide ban until a comprehensive tree protection bill passes in the ongoing assembly session, tapping into Rajasthan's cultural ethos where khejri links ecology, economy, and identity.

As the movement tests Rajasthan's ability to wed green energy ambitions with conservation, its success could set a precedent for balancing progress and heritage in vulnerable landscapes. Key points include the khejri's lifeline role, widespread protests uniting diverse groups, demands for legal safeguards, and government pledges amid ongoing agitation.