Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is under growing pressure to take tough action against large-scale cutting of state tree khejri, particularly in western Rajasthan, even as officials warn that a blanket ban could slow down proposed and ongoing infrastructure projects, including solar parks that are central to the state’s renewable energy strategy. Senior officials said the govt is struggling to balance environmental protection with development priorities. “A complete ban on khejri felling will have implications for major infrastructure and renewable energy projects that are already in the pipeline,” a govt official said, adding that Rajasthan’s solar push is closely linked to land availability in western districts.
A govt source confirmed that over the past five years, nearly 45,000 acres of land were allocated for solar parks in western Rajasthan, leading to large-scale uprooting of khejri and other native trees. The land is required to be cleared to level the surface for laying solar panels. Rajasthan emerged as a major renewable energy hub, with an installed capacity exceeding 23–33 GW as of late 2025. Officials said solar projects attracted significant domestic and foreign investment. “Every solar park involves huge investment from Indian and overseas companies. These projects generate substantial employment and support ancillary industries that are in the pipeline,” a senior official said. The issue gained added sensitivity following the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, where 432 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed in the energy sector—primarily solar—entailing proposed investments of over Rs 5 lakh crore. “Any strong message at this stage could jeopardise investor sentiment, especially when double and even triple investment is expected in the same sector following the summit,” another official said. Meanwhile, protesters have staged a sit-in since Feb 2 in Bikaner, with demonstrations spreading to other areas of western Rajasthan, keeping the govt on its toes. Two rounds of talks led by cabinet minister KK Vishnoi aimed at persuading protesters to call off the stir failed to yield a breakthrough. A late-night meeting with protest representatives on Sunday also ended without any resolution, sources said. The Khejri Bachao Andolan Samiti rejected the chief minister’s request to withdraw the agitation and dismissed official assurances. “We will not withdraw our protest until the govt releases a draft law to protect Khejri trees. Verbal assurances are not enough,” said Parasram Bishnoi, founder of the movement. He argued that the govt should roll back land allocations in areas with a high density of Khejri trees or regions traditionally known for their growth. Sources said the govt is exploring a “middle path” through regulatory safeguards and compensatory measures, even as political negotiations saw limited progress, with the Congress extending open support to the agitation and demanding a clear legal framework to protect Khejri trees.
