We will protect khejri trees: CM to Bishnoi community

Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Sunday assured members of the Bishnoi community that the state govt would protect khejri trees "at any cost".During a meeting held at the CM's official residence in Jaipur to resolve the ongoing mahadadav sit-in and hunger strike, which entered its 7th day on Sunday in Bikaner and other parts of western Rajasthan. The mahapadav was launched by members of the Bishnoi community against the felling of khejri trees, which hold deep ecological, cultural and religious significance in desert regions.
"We have full faith in the relevance and importance of the khejri tree. The govt is committed to protecting it forever," Sharma told the delegation. He added that the state was considering bringing a specific law and enforcing stringent rules against those involved in cutting khejri trees, especially in western Rajasthan."The govt will not allow any activity that hurts environmental balance or the sentiments of local communities," Sharma said.Members of the Bishnoi committee welcomed the CM's assurances but said a final decision on the protest would be taken after wider consultations. "We will now discuss the matter with the Khejri Bachao Samiti before deciding the next course of action," a committee member said.Paras Ram Bishnoi, founder of the samiti, said the meeting was part of a larger process to resolve the issue peacefully. "Our delegation met the chief minister as part of ongoing efforts to end the agitation. The talks were positive," he said. "We will hold further discussions on Monday and then decide whether to continue or withdraw the sit-in protest in Bikaner."Congress has accused the BJP-led govt of being "hand-in-glove with corporate interests", particularly companies involved in solar park projects, and of ignoring the sentiments of local communities by permitting the felling of khejri trees.