Jaipur, Feb 3 (NationPress) Bikaner has witnessed a bandh (shutdown) as a part of the ongoing 'Khejri Bachao' (Save Khejri) initiative aimed at protesting against the extensive cutting down of Khejri trees.

In solidarity with this cause, local trade organizations closed their markets until 2 p.m. on Monday, while both government and private educational institutions in urban areas announced a half-day holiday.

The district administration remained vigilant throughout the bandh.

Extensive police security was arranged across the city to preserve law and order.

Speaking at a large public assembly, Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati from Rajasthan's Sheo Assembly constituency stated that although the matter has been discussed in the Rajasthan Assembly, stronger actions are now required.

“I raised this matter in the state Assembly, but we may need to surround the Assembly building,” he said.

Quoting freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, Bhati emphasized, “Sometimes, one has to make a loud noise to be heard.”

He called for unity among the youth, urging them to take the lead in this movement.

“The youth must unite; a large-scale agitation is necessary to compel the government to heed our demands,” he declared.

Bhati also asserted that if necessary, he would be at the forefront of protests surrounding the Rajasthan Assembly from Bikaner.

The gathering attracted participants from various regions across Rajasthan and neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

A notable turnout of women at the rally showcased widespread public backing for the cause.

After the meeting at the Polytechnic College ground, organizers declared that a mass sit-in protest would be held at the Bishnoi Dharamshala near the Collectorate, where demonstrators intend to continue their demonstration.

Protesters expressed their readiness to make any sacrifice to protect the Khejri trees.

They cautioned that the administration would ultimately have to yield to public pressure.

According to the protesters, the Khejri tree is not just a tree but the lifeblood of the Thar desert, intricately linked to the region's ecology, culture, and spirituality.

They warned that the destruction of these trees could significantly disrupt ecological balance and desert vegetation.

Activists claimed that solar power companies in Bikaner and other areas of western Rajasthan are indiscriminately cutting down Khejri trees under the guise of development projects.

Reports suggest that vast areas of land are being cleared for solar plants.

Protesters further alleged that in several instances, Khejri trees are being cut down and buried at night to evade public scrutiny.

Under the Khejri Bachao Andolan, environmentalists are conducting an indefinite dharna at the Collectorate and in Karnisar Bhatiyan.

The call for the Bikaner bandh was made during a significant gathering of the Bishnoi community held in Mukam.

The Bikaner Trade and Industry Chamber also voiced its support, officially endorsing the shutdown.