Archive · 15 Jun 2025
Rajasthan's Khejri Trees Threatened by Solar Plant Expansion
Imagine a special tree in Rajasthan called Khejri, the state's pride.
But now, these trees are being cut down to make space for solar panels, which is bad news for the trees.
People are upset, and they're asking the government to protect these trees by making the fines higher for cutting them down and by making sure to check where the solar plants are being built.
Sadly, the current rules aren't tough enough, and even when the courts step in, the trees are still getting cut down.
The activists want to stop this because Khejri trees are very important to the environment.
Khejri trees, the state tree of Rajasthan, are being felled for solar plants.
Activists are protesting the destruction, citing satellite images of land clearing.
The Tenancy Act of 1955 has toothless provisions, with a small penalty for illegal tree felling.
Organizations demand stricter laws, increased fines, and satellite mapping of vegetation.
The National Green Tribunal and High Court have previously intervened without significant results.
- Who
- Environmental activists, Bishnoi community members, solar companies, and the Rajasthan government.
- What
- Indiscriminate felling of Khejri trees in Rajasthan for solar plants.
- When
- Recent protests and legal actions, ongoing for years.
- Where
- Rajasthan, particularly Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Phalodi, and Bikaner districts.
- Why
- To make way for solar plants, despite the trees' ecological and cultural significance.
Environmentalists and Local Communities
Solar Companies and Administration
Illegal Felling
Environmentalists and Local Communities
Trees are being felled illegally.
Solar Companies and Administration
Companies and the administration do not take enough actions against such activities.
Legal action
Environmentalists and Local Communities
Demanding stricter laws and increased fines.
Solar Companies and Administration
Current penalty of Rs 100 is peanuts for companies.
- State Tree
- Khejri (Prosopis Cineraria)
- Location
- Rajasthan, India
- Cause of Concern
- Felling for solar plants
- Organizations involved
- Bishnoi Tiger Force, Bishnoi community
- Demands
- Increased fines, satellite mapping, amendment to Tenancy Act
- Current Penalty (Tenancy Act 1955)
- Rs 100 per tree