Have you ever considered that development in the name of green energy comes with its drawbacks? We always see one side of the coin, clean, green power, but rarely think about the harm caused in the name of progress. In Rajasthan, lakhs of Khejri trees are being cut down to make space for massive solar power plants.
This is happening in districts like Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur. The Khejri tree is very important in desert areas. It keeps the soil strong, feeds animals, supports farming, and holds religious and cultural value, especially for communities like the Bishnois.
But now, sacred lands (Orans) and traditional farmlands (Khadeens) are being cleared without asking the locals. Villagers say solar companies are digging out trees, burning them, or burying them under the ground using large machines.
This deforestation has disrupted local lifecycles—birds and butterflies are disappearing, and the yield of crops like dates and pomegranates has dropped by around 75%. In Sheo, Barmer, people are protesting on the streets. Their local MLA, Ravindra Singh Bhati, supported the protest and even showed burnt tree remains in a press conference.
Videos on social media show broken and burnt trees near solar project areas. Officials like Sheo SDM Yaksh Chaudhary say they’ll investigate, but locals say action is too slow.
Environmental experts are raising alarms. Dr. Anil Chhangani, a wildlife professor, warned that nearly 30 lakh trees are already gone, and more could be lost soon. “These trees are the lungs of the desert. Losing them will bring long-term damage.”
The state aims to produce 90 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Over 1.5 lakh bighas of land have already been given to companies. But many of these lands are grazing fields or community-owned, and villagers were neither informed nor compensated.
Long ago, 363 Bishnois gave their lives to protect the Khejri tree. Today, the same tree is being lost in the name of green energy. Locals are now asking, Is this development green if it costs us our nature?
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