Khejri trees

Why in news?

• Khejri, the tree that inspired Chipko movement, is dying a slow death.

About Khejri trees:

• Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is one of the most common tree species found in India (in the dry regions of Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh), Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
• It plays a vital role in preserving the ecosystem of arid and semi-arid areas, mainly in the Thar Desert.
• The tree is frost and drought resistant and tolerates extreme temperature ranging from 40–45 0C in summer to less than 10 0C in winter.
• It is capable of growing in areas of rainfall ranging from 100–600 mm.
  • The tree can withstand the hottest winds, the driest season and stay alive where other plants cannot survive.
• The tree grows on a variety of soil but prefers alluvial, consisting of various mixtures of sand and clay. It can tolerate moderate salinity of soil but dries up in very high salinity.
• It also acts as an effective soil binder and is a great stabilising agent in sandy soils. Khejri though is rarely seen in hilly areas. When it grows on hilly soil in high rainfall zones, its growth is stunted and fruiting is poor.
• Culturally the tree has a reputed status in the society. Green twigs of khejri are worshipped on Janmashtami (birth day of Lord Krishna)

Bishnoi Movement:

• The Bishnoi movement was started by the Bishnoi community in the early part of the 18th century in Rajasthan.
• The Bishnoi movement is one of the first organized proponents of eco-conservation, wildlife protection, and green living.
• The Bishnois are considered the first environmentalists of India. They are born nature lovers.
• In the history of environmental movements, this was the movement that, for the first time, used the strategy of hugging and embracing trees for their protection.
• The movement of the famous Amrita Devi is considered to be one of the pioneer efforts for environmental protection.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Khejri trees’:

1. It is found in arid and semi-arid areas

2. It can tolerate moderate salinity of soil

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

                   C

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