Jaipur: Bandh and agitations are normally called for political issues but Jaisalmer of Rajasthan remained closed to demand the Tree Protection Act and to save the Khejri, the designated state tree of Rajasthan on Monday.

This was the first time that traders voluntarily kept their establishments closed for initiative environment protection. Almost all the main markets and shops in the city remained closed from 9 am to 2 pm. Various organizations working for environment protection and wildlife, including All India Vishnoi Mahasabha, All India Jeev Raksha Sabha, Rajasthan Paryavaran Jeev Raksha Sansthan, Paryavaran Sangharsh Samiti Khejadla and District Bishnoi Sansthan, had called for this Jaisalmer bandh.

Environmentalist Priyanka Vishnoi said this protest was against the cutting of trees and to tell the officials and leaders about the importance of trees

A peaceful rally was taken out from Gadisar Square of the city to the Collectorate with banners and slogans to save Khejri tree. The participants said that a strict law should be made in the name of Tree Protection Act Rajasthan and a complete ban should be imposed on felling of Khejri trees.

Environment activists demanded that the minimum fine for cutting Khejri should be Rs 2 lakh per tree and there should be a provision of 3 years imprisonment. Rajasthan Tree Protection Act should be made to stop the indiscriminate cutting of trees. Trees should not be cut for solar plants and barren lands should be allotted for them.