Villagers Stage Midnight Protest Over Alleged Khejri Tree Cutting in Jaisalmer; Solar Firm Accused

Jaisalmer: Tension gripped Kodha village in the Fatehgarh sub-division of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district after villagers accused a private solar energy company of illegally cutting down several khejri trees, a species considered sacred and ecologically vital to the Thar desert region.

The controversy surfaced late Tuesday night when locals alleged that multiple khejri trees were felled at the solar project site. As word spread after 11 pm, dozens of villagers, along with environmental activists, gathered outside the company’s main gate and began a sit-in protest demanding strict action against those responsible.

The protesters claimed that the tree-cutting was carried out without proper permissions and in violation of environmental norms. Raising slogans and holding placards, they demanded that an FIR be registered against the company, heavy fines be imposed, and accountability be fixed on officials who allegedly allowed the felling.

The khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) holds immense ecological and cultural significance in Rajasthan. It plays a crucial role in preventing desertification, enriching soil fertility, and supporting livestock and rural livelihoods. Cutting of khejri trees is strictly regulated under state laws, and in many cases requires specific approvals.

Villagers expressed anger that development projects were being prioritized at the cost of fragile desert ecology. “We are not against solar projects, but they should not destroy our environment and heritage,” a protester said.

As tensions escalated, police were deployed at the site to maintain law and order. Officials from the local administration also reached the spot to assess the situation and held discussions with community representatives. Authorities assured protesters that the matter would be investigated thoroughly.

Sources in the administration indicated that a preliminary inquiry has been initiated to verify whether due permissions were obtained and whether any environmental norms were violated. Action would be taken based on the findings, officials said.

The accused solar company has yet to issue a detailed public statement regarding the allegations.

The protest continued into the early hours, with villagers warning that they would intensify their agitation if strict action was not taken. The incident has once again highlighted the delicate balance between renewable energy expansion and environmental conservation in Rajasthan’s desert districts.