A proposed concrete jungle is about to destroy a naturally grown forest in the heart of Jaipur city. Locals and environmental activists are fighting hard but are struggling to save the 100-acre vital green lung and biodiversity haven known as the Dol ka Badh forest. The BJP-ruled state government has proposed to develop a PM Unity Mall, a Fintech Park, hotels, and a Rajasthan Mandapam on this ecologically rich site.
Located in Taron ki Khoont near Tonk Road in Jaipur, Dol ka Badh has been classified as industrial land on paper since the 1980s, giving RIICO (Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation) the legal authority to repurpose it. However, on the ground, it is a naturally grown forest teeming with biodiversity — home to over 2,400 native trees, including Khejdi (the state tree), over 60 species of medicinal herbs, and more than 85 species of birds and wildlife, including Nilgai, peacocks, rabbits, and other animals that depend on this undisturbed habitat.
In a recent media interaction, bird and environment enthusiast Komal Srivastava said, “We have documented all the birds found in this area. The ecology here is very rich and sensitive, which cannot be ignored.”
Ashutosh Ranka, who has long been associated with the movement to save this forest, stated that the campaign is not just about saving trees but about maintaining ecological balance and recognizing the role of the community.
Long Battle
The movement to save this forest began in 2021, when the then Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government announced plans to develop a Fintech Park on this land. Twenty-nine prominent personalities, including social activists Aruna Roy and Medha Patkar, had supported the movement by writing to the then Chief Minister, urging him to stop the project. Many BJP leaders had backed the cause at the time, as the party was in opposition. Due to this strong resistance, the project was temporarily halted. However, the threat has now resurfaced with greater intensity.
No Overturn, But Expansion
Interestingly, while the current BJP government has overturned several decisions made by the previous Congress regime, it has not only retained the Fintech Park plan but has added three more projects: the PM Unity Mall, hotels, and a Rajasthan Mandapam.
Ranka noted that the tender for the PM Unity Mall was floated quickly, despite ongoing discussions, and construction began last month. The proposed mall is being built in the forest’s core area known as Kunj, which would lead to the felling of 600 trees. Government agency RIICO is moving rapidly—fencing off land, boring pipes—and allegedly intimidating protesters.
No Government Response
Activists leading the Save Dol ka Badh movement have even proposed an alternative development plan: to convert Dol ka Badh into a state-of-the-art Biodiversity Park that could serve as a hub for eco-tourism, medicinal plant research, environmental education, and climate resilience. However, the government has not responded.
Officials have refused to speak on record. One official, requesting anonymity, said: “The land has been marked for industrial use, and the development plan has been made accordingly. Even the National Green Tribunal and the court have rejected the protesters' demand.”
On legal options, Ranka said, “We are currently exploring further legal measures, including filing a potential PIL with the Supreme Court.”
