Khejri Tree: The Lifeline of the Desert

Context

Recently, the Khejri tree has come into the spotlight due to the escalating ‘Khejri Bachao Andolan’ (Save Khejri Movement) in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district. Environmental activists and members of the Bishnoi community have launched massive protests and hunger strikes against the large-scale felling of these trees by solar power companies.

1. Botanical Profile and Characteristics

Scientific Name: Prosopis cineraria. It belongs to the Fabaceae (Pea) family.
Common Names: Known as Shami in Sanskrit, Jand in Punjab, Ghaf in the Middle East (National tree of UAE), and Jammi in Telangana.
Physical Features: It is a small, thorny, evergreen tree that typically grows to a height of 3–5 meters. It possesses a bipinnate leaf structure and deep taproots that can reach water tables at great depths.
Hardiness: The tree is exceptionally drought-resistant and can survive in areas with as little as 15 cm of annual rainfall. It can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from below 0°C to 50°C.

2. Ecological Significance

Nitrogen Fixation: Like other legumes, it has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby enhancing soil fertility.
Soil Binder: It acts as an effective stabilizing agent for sandy soils, preventing desertification and soil erosion.
Keystone Species: It provides shade, shelter, and food for various desert wildlife, including the Blackbuck, Chinkara, and numerous bird species.

3. Socio-Cultural and Historical Importance

State Tree: It was officially declared the State Tree of Rajasthan in 1983. It is also the state tree of Telangana.
The Khejarli Sacrifice (1730 AD): Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, 363 members of the Bishnoi community sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees from being cut by the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s men. This event served as the primary inspiration for the Chipko Movement of the 1970s.
Religious Significance: Mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the tree is worshipped during the Dussehra festival. It is also associated with Lord Krishna and worshipped on Janmashtami.

4. Economic Utility

Sangri: The unripe pods, known as Sangri, are a staple in Rajasthani cuisine (e.g., Ker Sangri). Efforts are currently underway to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Sangri.
Loom/Fodder: The leaves, locally called Loom, serve as highly nutritious fodder for camels, goats, and cattle.
Medicine: Different parts of the tree are used in Ayurveda to treat ailments like skin disorders, asthma, and rheumatism.

Q. With reference to the Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria), consider the following statements:
1. It is a nitrogen-fixing tree that helps in improving the fertility of arid soils.
2. It is the state tree of both Rajasthan and Telangana.
3. The historical Khejarli sacrifice, which inspired the Chipko Movement, was dedicated to protecting this tree.

How many of the statements given above are correct?
A) Only one
B) Only two
C) All three
D) None

Answer: C) All three
Solution:
STATEMENT 1 IS CORRECT: As a member of the Fabaceae family, the Khejri tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules, making it a natural fertilizer for the desert ecosystem.
STATEMENT 2 IS CORRECT: Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is indeed the designated state tree for Rajasthan (since 1983) and Telangana (where it is called Jammi Chettu).
STATEMENT 3 IS CORRECT: The 1730 massacre in Khejarli village involving Amrita Devi Bishnoi was specifically to save Khejri trees, and this non-violent resistance became the ideological blueprint for the modern Chipko Movement.