Vadodara paid homage to the Forest Conservation Martyrs

The history of India is full of stories of heroism of dedication and sacrifice. The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan who bowed their heads to protect the trees is also attached to this date. The community is known for its wonderful love for trees and innocent wildlife.
Dr. Nidhi Dave, Range Forest Officer, Social Forestry Department, while giving information about the above wonderful sacrificial saga said, due to the abundance of Khejrali (Shami) trees, this area of Rajasthan is known as Khejrali. People consider it a sacred tree and therefore they protect them. On the orders of the king of the area in 1730, the army prepared to cut down the trees of Khejrali.
When people came to know about this there was a huge protest. They showed their readiness to sacrifice themselves before cutting down the trees by clinging to it. Warrior Amrita Devi and her three young daughters bowed their heads to protect the trees. Without thinking for a moment 359 people followed them and sacrificed their life.
After the king heard about this, he immediately ordered the army to stop the massacre. He gave a heartfelt apology to the community and ordered the prohibition of deforestation and wildlife violence in populated areas of the Bishnoi community through the copper plate. The memorable Chipko movement was started in the country to save the forests.
Assistant Forest Conservator Vinod Damore said, Bishnoi heroes from 83 villages had joined the campaign to save the tree. Their motto was to save the tree by giving their head.
Rare in history such a glorious saga of sacrifice was seen for the protection of forest resources and wildlife. That is probably why 11th September has been honored as Forest Guard Martyr’s Day.
Vadodara’s office of social forestry observed silence and paid homage to the forest conservation martyrs.
Such an incident of martyrdom inspires one to become a tree lover, a fan of wildlife. In many parts of the country, this day is celebrated with the National Service Scheme – NSS. The units work together with the Forest Department to make student service personnel become tree lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.