“Breathtaking Irony”: Rajasthan High Court Bars Felling Of Rare Desert Tree 'Khejri' For Solar Projects Without Prior Approval
While hearing a petition seeking prevention of cutting of Khejri trees for solar projects, Rajasthan High Court observed that humanity's movement towards ecological evolution had left a trail of environmental destruction. The division bench of Justice Arun Monga and Justice Sandeep Shah stated that maybe it was time for the today's rulers to issue “farmaan” as was done in 1730 AD by the...
While hearing a petition seeking prevention of cutting of Khejri trees for solar projects, Rajasthan High Court observed that humanity's movement towards ecological evolution had left a trail of environmental destruction.
The division bench of Justice Arun Monga and Justice Sandeep Shah stated that maybe it was time for the today's rulers to issue “farmaan” as was done in 1730 AD by the then Maharajas to save the tree and protect the ecological balance.
For context, it was the case of the petitioners that in the name of State Government's solar power project, existing greenery, specifically Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), was being indiscriminately cleared.
The petitioners submitted that the said species were the only ones that was environmentally suited to tolerate the region's harsh climate. Further, it was argued that the trees also held religious and emotional significance for the local communities.
After hearing the contention, the Court highlighted that the State Government had already taken cognizance of the matter, and a committee was constituted to examine the issue in its entirety and recommence protective measures.
In this light, the Court held that no further judicial intervention was required at this stage. At the same time, directions were issued that no trees shall be cut without prior approval to be obtained as per law and with due intimation to the committee.
In the closing remarks, the Court observed,
“The Khejri, a rare desert tree of ecological significance, grows in sparse isolation, barely one tree per half a square kilometer. Yet it is slated for felling. The reason? To make way for solar power generation. The irony is breathtaking, to say the least… This court hopes and trusts that the committee will explore every viable alternative to avoid any further felling of even a single tree and permitting what would be an irreversible loss.”
Accordingly, the petitions were disposed of.
Title: Shri Jambeshwar Paryavaran And Jeev Raksha Pradesh Sanstha v State of Rajasthan & Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 181