Saints Protest Industrial Project in Rajasthan Over Tree Felling Concerns

Jaipur: Protests have intensified in Rajasthan’s Bichoon as saints and local groups oppose a proposed industrial project, citing environmental damage and threats to a religious site linked to Dadu Dayal.

According to reports, the agitation is directed against a project planned by the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) across nearly 330 acres. Protesters allege that thousands of trees have already been felled and that official land records inaccurately classify the area as scrubland despite its ecological and spiritual significance.

Members of the Dadu Palka Bhairana Sangharsh Samiti claim the land is sacred and associated with Dadu Dayal. As part of their protest, some saints performed ‘agni-tap’—a ritual involving sitting amid burning cow dung cakes—even as temperatures soared, signalling the seriousness of their resistance.

“This is a fight to protect both a sacred site and the environment. We will not allow it to be converted into an investment zone,” a protester said, adding that authorities had failed to respond to a memorandum submitted earlier this month. The group had issued a 10-day ultimatum before escalating their agitation.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed concern over the situation, calling the protest “unfortunate and worrying.” He criticised the government for what he described as contradictory actions—promoting tree plantation drives while permitting deforestation for development projects.

Gehlot urged chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma to intervene and engage with the protesting saints, suggesting that a senior minister visit the site to address the issue. He emphasised that development should not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

The protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until the proposed industrial project is scrapped.