Khejadi Bachao Abhiyan

A Strong Initiative for Desert Conservation

MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati has launched an impactful movement to protect
the Khejdi tree and preserve the fragile desert ecosystem of western Rajasthan.
In Bariyada village, he led a major campaign against illegal tree cutting,
ensuring strict action and widespread public awareness.

However, the rapid expansion of solar companies has now put these trees under serious threat,
leading to large-scale deforestation across desert regions.

Raising the Voice in the Assembly

In the 4th Session of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly,
MLA Bhati raised the Khejdi Bachao slogan and distributed
pamphlets demanding the creation of a
Tree Protection Act in Rajasthan to safeguard Khejdi trees.

Why the Khejdi Tree is Important

The Khejdi (Prosopis cineraria) is considered the
lifeline of the Thar Desert. It:

Maintains soil fertility & prevents desertification
Supports wildlife & biodiversity
Provides fodder, shade, and livelihood support
Ensures ecological stability in extreme desert climate

A Threatened Future

In Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner, temperature has risen by
up to 5°C due to excessive installation of solar plants.
Rajasthan currently generates 26,452 MW of solar power
using nearly 1.32 lakh acres of land.

Since 4–5 acres are required per 1 MW of solar power, this expansion has caused:

26 lakh (2.6 million) trees cut
40 lakh (4 million) shrubs destroyed

Under the renewable energy target of
65,000 MW solar capacity by 2030, nearly
92 lakh acres will be required. The next five years alone could cause:

38.54 lakh (3.854 million) trees to be cut

Impact on Rural Communities & Ecology

Farmlands turning barren
Declining farmers’ income
Shrinking wildlife habitats
Early drying of native plants and shrubs
Disrupted flowering and fruiting cycles
Deterioration in natural balance of insects & birds

A Continuous Battle for Nature