CM Bhajanlal Sharma: Law Coming Soon to Conserve Khejri Trees Statewide

Amid mounting protests over the cutting of Khejri trees, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday said the state government will soon introduce a law aimed at protecting the ecologically and culturally significant species. His statement comes in response to growing public anger and sustained agitation by environmental activists and local communities across parts of the state.

The chief minister said the proposed legislation would ensure long-term conservation of the Khejri tree and prevent indiscriminate felling. He acknowledged the deep emotional and environmental importance of the tree in Rajasthan’s desert ecosystem and assured that the government was taking the concerns raised during the stir seriously. Officials indicated that consultations were underway to frame legal provisions that balance development needs with environmental protection.

The Khejri tree, considered sacred by many communities, is also Rajasthan’s state tree and plays a crucial role in preventing desertification. It supports biodiversity, enriches soil fertility, and has historically been central to traditional agroforestry systems in arid regions. Environmentalists argue that large-scale cutting of Khejri trees threatens not only ecological stability but also rural livelihoods dependent on sustainable land use.

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Protests erupted after reports of Khejri trees being felled for infrastructure and development projects, triggering demonstrations, sit-ins, and appeals to the state government. Activist groups have demanded a complete ban on cutting the species, stricter enforcement of existing environmental norms, and accountability for violations. The issue has also gained political traction, with opposition parties questioning the government’s commitment to conservation.

State officials have maintained that development projects are being executed within legal frameworks but conceded that gaps in regulation and enforcement need to be addressed. The proposed law is expected to introduce clearer guidelines, stricter penalties, and oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of permissions related to tree cutting.

The announcement of a forthcoming law has offered some reassurance to protesters, though many say they will continue their agitation until concrete legal measures are notified and implemented. As Rajasthan grapples with environmental pressures linked to climate change and rapid development, the Khejri tree has emerged as a powerful symbol of the broader debate between conservation and growth.

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