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Rajasthan CM Vows Khejri Protection Law After Bikaner Hunger Strike

Protest leaders say the hunger strike will continue until a statewide felling ban is formally ordered.

Overview

  • Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma told the Rajasthan Assembly that a law to protect the Khejri tree is being prepared and a bill will be introduced once the process is complete.
  • Minister K.K. Vishnoi visited the Bikaner protest site, met fasting saints and organizers, and offered a written assurance while announcing a felling ban for the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions.
  • Protesters rejected ending the fast without a formal statewide order, and tensions flared at the site after attempts to serve juice to fasting participants.
  • Health concerns escalated as more than two dozen protesters fell ill, at least two saints were hospitalized at PBM Hospital, and two 75‑bed temporary facilities with doctors and nursing staff were deployed at the venue.
  • Organizers say participants have grown to roughly 450–458 people, including 29 saints and many women, as a cited university study estimates nearly five million trees were cut in the past decade due in part to solar projects.