Rajasthan High Court Stands Firm Against Khejri Tree Felling for Solar Projects

The Rajasthan High Court has voiced strong opposition to the proposed removal of Khejri trees, a critical desert species, for solar power projects. It urges exploration of alternatives to preserve nature. The court's remarks follow a PIL by an NGO and emphasize the trees' ecological and cultural importance.

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concerns over the planned felling of Khejri trees for solar power projects, highlighting it as a stark case of environmental degradation. This statement came as the court addressed a public interest litigation filed by Shri Jambeshwar Paryavaran and Jeev Raksha Pradesh Sanstha, an NGO advocating for the protection of these crucial desert trees.

The bench of Justices Arun Monga and Sandeep Shah emphasized the need for deeper consideration of alternatives to prevent the loss of even a single tree. The court insisted that no tree be felled without following due legal process, underscoring the ecological significance of the Khejri tree, which thrives in Rajasthan's arid regions.

In a significant move, the court acknowledged the state government's action in forming a committee aimed at revising and recommending tree conservation laws. Reflecting on historical efforts by the Bishnoi community to protect Khejri trees, the court called for modern-day rulers to champion ecological preservation, suggesting a legislative framework is essential for the sustainable balance between technological advance and nature conservation.