In Bikaner, a movement to safeguard Khejri trees gained momentum with hundreds of people and 363 religious leaders participating in a hunger strike and protest for the immediate enforcement of the Tree Protection Act. The demonstrators, including former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, emphasized the significance of preserving the Khejri trees and Oran land. Raje, in a show of solidarity, shared a photo of herself worshipping a Khejri tree on social media.
Former minister Govindram Meghwal urged Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to promptly introduce the law in the Assembly, stressing that the legislation should be passed within two days. The protesters, gathered at the protest site, transitioned into an indefinite hunger strike at Balne Bishnoi Dharamshala near the Collectorate, demanding the implementation of the Tree Protection Act before any tree cutting occurs.
Saint Sachchidanand highlighted the widespread support for the cause, with individuals from Rajasthan and beyond joining the protest to ensure the preservation of Khejri trees. The demonstrators insisted on a halt to tree felling until the Tree Protection Act is put into effect. The police and administration are closely monitoring the situation, with a Special Task Force deployed and officials maintaining communication with movement leaders.
Collector Namrata Vrashni and SP Kavendra Sagar visited the protest site to assure that no Khejri trees would be cut in Bikaner. Despite this, they were unable to address the gathering, leading to protesters, under religious leaders’ guidance, announcing an indefinite hunger strike.
