The National Forest Martyrs Day is annually observed across India on September 11th to pay tribute to the people who laid down their lives to protect the environment, forests and wildlife across India.
The 11th September 2021 marks the observance of the 16th National Forest Martyrs Day.
Background:
i.The National Forest Martyrs Day was made official following the declaration made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC) in 2013.
ii.In 2020 the observance of the national forest Martyrs day was made at national level by the MoEF&CC.
Why September 11?
The 11st September was chosen to commemorate the Khejarli massacre on 11th September 1730.
About Khejarli Massacre:
i.More than 360 people from the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan, led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, were killed for protesting against the cutting down of Khejarli trees, ordered by Maharaja Abhay Singh of Rajasthan.
ii.The Khejarli trees were considered sacred by the people that belonged to the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan’s Khejarli village.
About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC):
Union Minister– Bhupender Yadav(Rajya Sabha- Rajasthan)
Minister of State– Ashwini Kumar Choubey(Constituency- Buxar, Bihar)
