Discuss the role of women in protection and conservation of forests.

Explanation

(i) Amrita Devi was a brave lady from Khejarli Village of Jodhpur District, Rajasthan. She sacrificed her life to maintain Bishnoi Dharma. In 1730, Maharaja Abhay Singh, ruler of Marwar, Rajasthan state wanted to log green Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) trees to bum lime for the construction of his new palace. Since there was a lot of greenery in the Bishnoi villages ,even in the middle of Thar Desert, the king ordered his men to get the wood from Khejri trees. When she came to know about the cutting of trees by the King.s men, she and many others had hugged the Khejri trees to save from cutting. But king.s men killed Amrita Devi along with more than 363 other Bishnois. It was a Tuesday, black Tuesday in Khejarli. This incident took place to save trees and is recorded in India.s history.
(ii) To commemorate her bravery, the Government of Rajasthan and Madhya : Pradesh have initiated the prestigious state level award named as .Amrita Devi Bishnoi Smriti Award. for excellent contribution to the protection and conservation of wildlife.