Jodhpur

Calling it a “breathtaking irony,” the Rajasthan High Court has criticised the proposed felling of Khejri trees for solar power projects, describing it as a striking example of environmental destruction in the name of technological progress.

A bench comprising Arun Monga and Sandeep Shah made the observations while disposing of a public interest litigation filed by Shri Jambeshwar Paryavaran and Jeev Raksha Pradesh Sanstha.

The court directed that no trees be felled without prior approval under the law and that the state-appointed committee examining tree protection must be informed before any such action is taken.

Referring to the ecological importance of the Khejri—an iconic desert species native to Rajasthan—the bench observed that the tree survives in sparse, harsh arid conditions, making its proposed removal for clean-energy infrastructure particularly troubling.

“The irony is breathtaking,” the bench remarked, questioning whether society was destroying nature in the name of technological advancement.

The court also invoked the historic sacrifice of the Bishnoi community during the Khejarli massacre, when community members gave their lives while trying to save Khejri trees from being cut.

Drawing a parallel with the present, the judges observed that perhaps the time had come once again for rulers to issue a “farmaan” to protect trees and ecological balance.

During the hearing, the Rajasthan government informed the court that it had already constituted a special committee on March 9, 2026, to study tree-protection laws, consult stakeholders, examine judicial precedents, and prepare recommendations—including possible legislation—within a month.

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Taking note of that development, the court said the main objective of the petition had substantially been achieved for now, while allowing the petitioner to assist the committee and revive proceedings if necessary.