New Delhi: Climate change and global warming are the two threats which have jeopardised the very existence of this planet. One of the main reasons behind climate change is the rise in pollution. Since the days of the Industrial Revolution, the pollution level of the planet has only increased in the subsequent centuries. Deforestation has played a crucial role in the rise in pollution, as we have mercilessly cut trees and wiped off forests without thinking about the impact. However, on the opposite spectrum, many people have dedicated their lives to saving trees and forests. Hence, every year, National Forest Martyrs Day is celebrated.
What is National Forest Martyrs Day?
Every year, National Forest Martyrs Day is celebrated on September 11. The day commemorates the dedication of people to conserving forests and wildlife and the sacrifice of those who have even laid down their lives to preserve natural resources and biodiversity. The National Forest Martyrs Day pays tribute to those who gave their lives in efforts to protect nature in our country.
How did National Forest Martyrs Day originate?
The National Forest Martyrs Day is celebrated on September 11 as the date coincides with the anniversary of the Khejarli massacre. It took place in 1730 when 363 Bishnois were killed while trying to protect a grove of Khejri trees peacefully. The king of Marwar in Rajasthan, Abhai Singh sent soldiers to cut the trees in the Khejarli village to get wood to build a new palace.
It was a Bishnoi village and one of the commandments of the Bishnois forbids the cutting of any green trees. Hence, the villagers opposed the move to cut down the trees near the village. The soldiers demanded bribes in exchange for leaving the trees alone, but the villagers refused to entertain that demand. Finally, the villagers led by a woman named Amrita Devi Bishnoi hugged the trees to protect them. And much to the horror of everyone, the soldiers beheaded Devi along with her family and other villagers. Hearing about the incident, other Bishnoi communities began to save people to Khejarli to save trees and overall 363 Bishnois laid down their lives that day while protecting the trees. Later, Abhai Singh personally went to the village and apologised.
What is the significance of National Forest Martyrs Day?
Every year on National Forest Martyrs Day, we pay our respect to those who dedicate their lives to saving the trees and even die in the process. They pay tribute to and acknowledge the sacrifices of rangers, forest guards, and other personnel who lost their lives while saving nature. The day also highlights the many problems that forest rangers face as they combat illegal activities like wildlife poaching, deforestation and land encroachments.
The day also aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our forests, wildlife, and natural resources. It promotes environmental awareness and conservation, reminds us of the challenges that forest personnel face and focuses on the need for stricter measures to protect our forests. It also highlights the crucial role of the forests and wildlife in maintaining ecological balance and making future generations aware of preserving the green cover of this planet.
Every year, National Forest Martyrs Day is celebrated on September 11. The day commemorates the dedication of people to conserving forests and wildlife and the sacrifice of those who have even laid down their lives to preserve natural resources and biodiversity. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
