National Forest Martyrs Day was observed on September 11, 2025 at the Forester Memorial, Brandis Road, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun campus, to commemorate foresters who laid down their lives in protecting forests and wildlife. The observance began with a two-minute silence in honor of the Forest Martyrs. Floral tributes were paid by Smt. Kanchan Devi, Director General, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE); Dr. Jagmohan Sharma, Director, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA); Dr. Renu Singh, Director, Forest Research Institute; the Principal, Central Academy State Forest Service (CASFoS); along with IFS probationers, senior officers, scientists of ICFRE/FRI, and trainees of CASFoS. September 11 is observed annually as National Forest Martyrs Day, a date chosen by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2013 to commemorate the 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan. On that day, in the desert village of Khejarli near Jodhpur, Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 362 other members of the Bishnoi community were killed while protecting Khejri trees from being cut down on the orders of Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar. Their non-violent resistance is regarded as one of the earliest documented environmental protection movements in the world and inspires modern conservation ethics. The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award of the Government of India continues to honour individuals and institutions engaged in wildlife conservation. The 2025 observance reaffirmed the commitment of forest services to conserve and protect India's natural resources for future generations.
National Forest Martyrs Day Observed on September 11, 2025 at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun — Tribute to Khejarli Bishnoi Sacrifice of 1730
National Forest Martyrs Day was observed on September 11, 2025 at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Senior officials of ICFRE, IGNFA, FRI and CASFoS paid floral tributes. The date commemorates the 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan where Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 362 other Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees — regarded as one of the earliest environmental movements in the world.
Key facts
- National Forest Martyrs Day observed on September 11, 2025 at Forester Memorial, Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun
- Floral tributes paid by ICFRE DG Smt. Kanchan Devi, IGNFA Director Dr. Jagmohan Sharma, FRI Director Dr. Renu Singh, CASFoS Principal, and IFS probationers
- Date declared by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2013 to commemorate 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan
- Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 362 Bishnois sacrificed their lives protecting Khejri trees on orders of Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar
- Regarded as one of the earliest documented environmental protection movements in the world
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the historical significance of the 1730 Khejarli sacrifice and its relevance to contemporary environmental conservation ethics in India.
Answer (50 words):
On 11 September 2025, Forest Martyrs Day at FRI Dehradun honoured the 1730 Khejarli sacrifice, where Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 362 Bishnois died protecting Khejri trees from Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar. Recognised globally as an early environmental movement, it inspires India's Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award today.
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On which date is National Forest Martyrs Day observed annually in India?
National Forest Martyrs Day is observed every year on September 11, a date declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2013 to commemorate the 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan where Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 362 other Bishnois were killed protecting Khejri trees.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Frequently asked questions
When is National Forest Martyrs Day observed?
Every year on September 11, commemorating the 1730 Khejarli massacre in Rajasthan.
Who led the Bishnoi sacrifice at Khejarli?
Amrita Devi Bishnoi, along with 362 other Bishnoi community members, sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees.
Which Ministry declared September 11 as National Forest Martyrs Day?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in 2013.
Where was the 2025 observance held?
At the Forester Memorial, Brandis Road, Forest Research Institute (FRI) campus, Dehradun.
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