Last updated: September 11, 2022, 07:00 IST
The day has a lot of meaning in the current scenario, when depleting greenery is one of the biggest challenges facing the world. (Representative Image: Shutterstock)
The observance of the National Forest Martyrs is marked by several events aimed at raising awareness about the protection of forests and the environment in general
National Forest Martyrs Day is celebrated on September 11 to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to protect forests and wildlife. Given the importance of forests to provide livelihoods in many parts of the country, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change declared in 2013 that a day should be set aside to honor forests and those who work to protect them. .
September 11 was chosen to be celebrated as National Forest Worshipers Day as it was on this day in 1730 that the infamous Khejarli massacre took place. Maharaja Abhay Singh of Rajasthan gave the order to cut down the Khejarli trees in the forest.
People from the Bishnoi community protested the order because they considered the Khejarli trees to be sacred. As a sign of protest, a woman named Amrita Devi offered her head to prevent Khejarli trees from being cut down
However, the Maharaja’s men did not hesitate and beheaded Amrita Devi. They killed more than 350 people that day, including young children of Amrita Devi.
When news of the massacre reached the Maharaja, he was shocked by the incident and withdrew his order. He apologized to the people and praised their commitment to protecting forests. Maharaja Abhay Singh went one step further and issued a decree banning the felling of trees and hunting wild animals in the forest in the future.
The observance of the National Forest Martyrs is marked by several events aimed at raising awareness about the protection of forests and the environment in general. The day has a lot of meaning in the current scenario, when depleting greenery is one of the biggest challenges facing the world.
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