National Forest Martyrs Day

On September 11th, National Forest Martyrs Day was observed across India to honor the sacrifices made by forest department personnel and environmentalists who lost their lives while working on forest conservation.

About National Forest Martyrs Day:

Date of Observation: September 11th every year.

Purpose: To pay tribute to the forest personnel and protective environmentalists who have laid down their lives in the service of conserving forests, wildlife, and natural resources.
Significance: The day emphasizes the risks that forest officers and environmentalists face while carrying out their work in the face of illegal logging, poaching, and other environmental threats.

History of National Forest Martyrs Day:

The observance of this day traces its roots to the Khejarli Massacre that occurred in 1730 in the Marwar Kingdom (now Rajasthan).

Incident: The Maharaja Abhai Singh ordered the cutting down of Khejri trees in Bishnoi village (Khejarli) to gather timber for the construction of his new palace.
Resistance: The Bishnoi community, known for their devotion to nature, resisted the cutting of these trees, which they regarded as sacred.
Protest: Under the leadership of Amrita Devi Bishnoi, villagers took a stand by hugging the trees to protect them from being felled.
Outcome: Amrita Devi and 363 others were tragically killed during the protest while defending the trees.
Legacy: The bravery of the Bishnoi community in defending nature became an inspiration for subsequent environmental movements, such as the Chipko Movement, which also involved hugging trees to prevent deforestation.

In recognition of their sacrifices, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared September 11th as National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013.

Significance of the Day:

Tribute to Forest Defenders: The day serves as a tribute to all individuals and communities who have dedicated their lives to protecting nature from exploitation, illegal activities like poaching, and activities that harm the environment, such as deforestation.
Raising Awareness: It underscores the vital importance of forests as not just natural resources, but as lifelines that help regulate the climate, purify air and water, and sustain biodiversity.

Source: PIB

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