Rajasthan High Court Raises Concerns Over Tree Cutting for Solar Projects
Court's Warning on Environmental Impact
The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposal to cut Khejri trees for solar energy projects, labeling it a "clear example" of environmental destruction under the guise of technological advancement. The court hopes that the government committee assigned to protect these trees will explore all viable options to prevent any harm.
A bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Sandeep Shah made these remarks while addressing a public interest litigation filed by an NGO named 'Shri Jambeshwar Environment and Wildlife Protection State Organization.' The petition sought to safeguard Khejri trees in Rajasthan.
The bench mandated that no tree should be felled without prior legal permission. It emphasized that the committee formed by the state government must be provided with accurate information to consider protective measures for the trees.
Significance of Khejri Trees
Highlighting the ecological importance of Khejri trees, the court noted that this rare desert species grows in limited numbers in arid regions, yet there are proposals to cut them down for solar energy projects.
The bench remarked, "This is highly ironic." It questioned whether society is destroying nature in the name of technology. During the hearing, the state government informed the court that it had already taken cognizance of the matter and established a special committee under an order dated March 9, 2026.
The government stated that this committee is tasked with conducting a comparative study of tree protection laws from various states, consulting stakeholders, and reviewing judicial decisions and existing legal provisions related to tree conservation.
Call for Environmental Protection
The bench felt compelled to add that humanity's journey of technological progress has also led to a long history of environmental destruction. The current case serves as a clear example of this issue.
The court expressed hope that the government committee assigned to protect trees would adopt every reasonable measure to prevent any irreversible damage. The ruling was delivered on May 8 and was uploaded on Wednesday.
The court also referenced the historical sacrifice made in 1730 when many members of the Bishnoi community lost their lives protesting against tree cutting. The bench suggested that it might be time for the government to issue a decree to protect trees and maintain ecological balance.
Demands from the Petitioners
The public interest litigation demanded a halt to the alleged illegal felling of trees, particularly Khejri, without following the established procedures. The petitioning organization also urged the state government to enact a new tree protection law similar to those in other states or to issue appropriate guidelines for the protection of Khejri trees.
Additionally, the organization called for the promotion of agroforestry on private and non-forest land in Rajasthan and the establishment of a system for planting new trees in exchange for those cut down.
Advocate Vijay Bishnoi, representing the petitioners, argued that the existing green areas are being recklessly cleared in the name of implementing the state's solar energy policy. He contended that the affected land is mostly barren and that Khejri trees are among the few species that can naturally survive in the harsh desert climate. He also highlighted the emotional and religious significance of this tree for local communities.