National Forest Martyrs Day is observed on September 11th every year to remember those who laid their lives to protect nature in the remote corners of the country.
The Ministry of Environment and Forest made the declaration in 2013. Since then, people across India observe National Forest Martyrs Day every year to pay tributes to the valour and sacrifice made by the forest personnel to protect the forests and wildlife of India.??
In the year 1730, during the reign of Maharaja Abhay Singh in Rajasthan, it was ordered to cut down the Khejarli trees. But, the people of the Bishnoi community residing at the village considered this tree to be sacred and was against the idea of chopping them down.?
When the army of Maharaja Abhay Singh began the process of shedding down the trees, a brave and courageous woman named Amrita Devi stood against it. As brave a woman she was, she reportedly told them to behead herself rather than the Khejarli trees. Sadly, the Maharaja¡¯s men mercilessly beheaded her followed by 359 others before this dreadful news reached the ears of the Maharaja.?
He then ordered to stop the felling of trees. He immediately apologized to the Bishnoi community and praised them for their valour. Moreover, he issued a decree prohibiting any further cutting of the sacred Khejarli trees and hunting of the wildlife in and around the Bishnoi village.
- Spread the word and tell everyone why it is important to save the forests and the wildlife and how it is saving the ecosystem.?
- Plant as many trees as possible. With the rise in global warming, planting trees is the only option to save our forests which ultimately balance out the environment.?
-? Honour what the martyrs have done to conserve and preserve the forests around us. Salute them and promise that they will not be forgotten.
The government honours this day by?recognizing the forest personnel who sacrificed their lives for the protection of our environment, forest & wildlife. In 2020 over 25 forest officials were given the certificate of recognition.?
This was handed over by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.?
Forest department officials across India are out on nature¡¯s frontlines guarding wildlife and the forests that cover over one-fifth (21.67%) of the country¡¯s geographical area.??
Thank you, for everything you have done for us, we're proud of you.