IN PHOTOS: Massive protest in Bikaner as demands to halt Khejri tree felling rise

Environmentalists, activists, and public representatives gathered in Bikaner demanding an immediate stop to the cutting of khejri trees for solar projects. Participants from multiple districts joined the protest, which includes an indefinite hunger strike by the Bishnoi community, urging the government to pass a strict tree protection law during the Assembly’s Budget session. PICS/PTI

Updated On: 2026-02-05 07:21 PM IST

Compiled by : Tarun Verma

The protesters are demanding an immediate halt to the cutting of khejri trees in western Rajasthan. Pics/PTI

Participants from Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, Barmer, and Jodhpur joined the protest, raising concerns over the ecological impact of felling the state tree for solar power projects

Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati urged youth to unite and warned of a Jaipur gherao if the trees are not protected while Karni Sena leader Mahipal Singh Makrana alleged that people linked to those in power were stakeholders in solar companies

Mokam Peethadhishwar Ramanand Acharya said the agitation would continue until a strict law for khejri conservation is enacted during the ongoing Budget session, warning that an indefinite hunger strike would be launched if the government failed to give assurances

Members of the Bishnoi community began an indefinite hunger strike, with medical staff monitoring participants to ensure their safety as they demanded legislative action to protect the trees 

Markets in Bikaner remained closed in solidarity with the protest, as activists and community members maintained their hunger strike near a Bishnoi Dharamshala, calling for a complete ban on the cutting of khejri trees

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