High Court calls felling of khejri trees for solar projects a 'breathtaking irony'

Expressing concern over the proposed cutting of Khejri trees for solar power projects, the Rajasthan High Court has described the move as a “stark example” of environmental destruction in the name of technological progress and urged the state-appointed panel on tree protection to explore every possible alternative to save “even a single tree”.

A bench of Justices Arun Monga and Sandeep Shah made the observations while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Shri Jambeshwar Paryavaran and Jeev Raksha Pradesh Sanstha, which sought protection of Khejri trees across Rajasthan.

The court directed that no trees should be felled without prior approval in accordance with the law. It also ordered that the committee constituted by the state government to examine the issue and recommend protective measures, including possible legislation, must be informed before any such action is taken.

Highlighting the ecological importance of the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria), the bench noted that the species grows sparsely in Rajasthan’s arid desert regions and yet faces the threat of being cut down to facilitate solar energy projects.

“The irony is breathtaking,” the court observed, questioning whether society was sacrificing nature in the name of technological advancement.

The bench also recalled the historic 1730 sacrifice by members of the Bishnoi community, who gave their lives while trying to protect Khejri trees from being felled.

Drawing a parallel with the present situation, the court remarked that perhaps the time had come once again for rulers to issue a “farmaan” for the protection of trees and ecological balance.

The PIL had sought directions to stop the alleged illegal cutting of trees, particularly Khejri trees, without following due legal procedure.

The petitioner organisation also urged the state government to enact a dedicated Tree Protection Act on the lines of laws in other states or frame specific guidelines for the conservation of Khejri trees.

Additionally, the plea sought promotion of agroforestry on private and non-forest land across Rajasthan, along with a mechanism for compensatory plantation.

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Vijay Bishnoi argued that under the guise of implementing the state’s solar power policy, existing green cover was being indiscriminately cleared.

He submitted that much of the affected land was infertile and that Khejri trees were among the few species naturally adapted to survive the harsh desert climate. He also highlighted the emotional and religious significance attached to the tree by local communities.

During the hearing, the state government informed the court that it had already taken cognisance of the issue and constituted a special committee through an order dated March 9, 2026.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a comparative study of tree protection laws in various states, consulting stakeholders, and examining judicial decisions and existing legal provisions related to tree conservation before preparing a draft proposal within a month.

Taking note of the government’s initiative, the court observed that the relief sought through judicial intervention had been substantially addressed and that no further interference was required at this stage.

However, the bench granted liberty to the petitioner organisation to assist the committee in its deliberations and revive proceedings if any grievance remains unresolved.

- Ends

With inputs from PTI