Published: 7 February 2026Social News XYZ / Free Press Journal / ETV Bharat / The QuintRajasthan
Khejri Bachao Andolan: Bishnoi Community's 11-Day Protest in Bikaner Forces Rajasthan Government to Ban Khejri Felling
The Khejri Bachao Andolan — a mass environmental protest movement in Bikaner, Rajasthan — escalated significantly around February 2–8, 2026, as the Bishnoi community launched a sustained agitation against large-scale felling of the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) for solar power projects in western Rajasthan. The protest drew echoes of the historic 1730 Khejarli Massacre, in which 363 Bishnoi villagers led by Amrita Devi sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees from the Maharaja of Jodhpur's soldiers.
The Bikaner bandh was observed, with schools closed for half-day; nearly one lakh citizens gathered in protest, and 363 persons commenced a fast-unto-death in symbolic invocation of the 1730 sacrifice. Protesters demanded a ₹1 lakh fine per tree felled (up from the nominal existing penalty), and a comprehensive Tree Protection Act. After 11 days of continuous agitation, the Rajasthan government announced a statewide ban on felling Khejri trees, directing all District Collectors to strictly enforce the order. The government also assured the introduction of a Tree Protection Law in the ongoing Budget Session of the Rajasthan Assembly.
Khejri is the state tree of Rajasthan, revered as the 'Kalpavriksha of the Thar Desert'. It plays a critical ecological role in arid regions — fixing nitrogen in desert soils, preventing desertification, providing fodder during drought, and serving as a microhabitat for numerous species. The conflict between large-scale renewable energy infrastructure and local ecological traditions highlights the need to balance green energy expansion with environmental governance in desert ecosystems.
0
6-axis classification
CoverageRajasthanTypeCampaignSubjectRajasthanExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceSocial News XYZ / Free Press Journal / ETV Bharat / The Quint
Frequently asked questions
What triggered the Khejri Bachao Andolan in Bikaner in February 2026?
The Khejri Bachao Andolan was triggered by the continued illegal felling of Khejri trees (Prosopis cineraria) — Rajasthan's state tree — despite existing protections. The Bishnoi community, whose faith has revered the Khejri for centuries, launched an 11-day protest in Bikaner from February 2 to 8, 2026, invoking the memory of the 1730 Khejarli Massacre where 363 Bishnois gave their lives to protect Khejri trees.
What was the 1730 Khejarli Massacre and why is it historically significant?
In 1730, when soldiers of the Maharaja of Jodhpur arrived to fell Khejri trees for building a palace, 363 Bishnoi community members — led by Amrita Devi — sacrificed their lives hugging the trees to prevent their felling. This event, known as the Khejarli Massacre, is considered the world's first organised environmental protection movement and inspired the modern Chipko Movement of the 1970s.
What is the ecological importance of the Khejri tree in Rajasthan?
Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is ecologically critical for Rajasthan's arid ecosystem. It is a nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil fertility, provides shade for crops and livestock, produces edible pods (sangri) — a local food source — and its leaves serve as fodder. It survives extreme drought, making it indispensable in desert regions. This is why it holds the status of Rajasthan's state tree.
What were the two key government commitments made in response to the Khejri Bachao Andolan?
In response to the 11-day Bishnoi protest, the Rajasthan government made two key commitments: (1) a statewide ban on the felling of Khejri trees, and (2) a promise to introduce a Tree Protection Act during the ongoing Assembly session. These were significant concessions demonstrating the political power of organised community-based environmental protest.
How does the Khejri Bachao Andolan relate to concepts in governance and environmental law relevant to the RAS exam?
This event connects several RAS syllabus themes: (1) Environmental governance — state's duty to protect biodiversity and heritage species; (2) Constitutional rights — Article 48A (environmental protection as DPSP) and Article 51A(g) (fundamental duty to protect environment); (3) Community rights — tribal and indigenous communities as environmental stewards; (4) Legislative process — promise of a Tree Protection Act in the Assembly session; and (5) Rajasthan history and culture — the Bishnoi environmental tradition dating to 1730.
