REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · INDIA
Rajasthan bans felling of khejri trees pending new state protection law
Change
Rajasthan’s BJP government issued a statewide order prohibiting felling of khejri trees until a new protection law is enacted, and said a Bill will be introduced in the ongoing budget session of the State Assembly.
Why it matters
The state has enforced a statewide halt on khejri tree felling via a government circular, ending an 11-day protest in Bikaner by saints and Bishnoi community members. The order explicitly keeps the prohibition in place across Rajasthan until a new law comes into force to protect khejri. The government also indicated a dedicated tree-protection Bill will be introduced during the current budget session, with details still being finalized. The change directly affects site clearing and right-of-way activities where khejri removal had been occurring, including areas linked to solar power project development in western Rajasthan. The policy shift converts a contested local enforcement issue into a statewide restriction with a pending statutory framework.
Implications
- • Immediate statewide restriction on khejri removal for land clearing and works
- • Solar and infrastructure project timelines may face delays where khejri is on-site
- • Compliance exposure increases for contractors/operators conducting tree felling
- • Uncertainty persists until the new khejri-protection law is enacted
Who is affected
- • Solar power project developers and EPC contractors in Rajasthan
- • Infrastructure developers (roads, transmission, industrial sites) needing site clearance
- • Rural landowners and agricultural operators with khejri on their land
- • State forest/environment enforcement agencies and local administrations
Source
Read full article on The Hindu →
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Energy & Power Renewable Energy Climate & Environment Environmental Regulation