Jaipur’s Dol Ka Baadh forest at risk: 2,500 trees face axe for new project

Jaipur is in a tense situation as the Dol Ka Baadh forest faces destruction for a large development project. The plan will cut down over 2,500 trees, including many Khejri trees, to build a Fintech park, the PM Unity Mall, and housing. This forest has grown for decades. It supports local wildlife and helps keep the city cooler and cleaner. It’s also one of the last green spaces left in the city.

This plan has sparked protests across Jaipur. Local people, students, and environmental groups have joined together to stop the project. They believe cutting down the forest will cause serious harm to the environment. The forest sits near the Jaipur airport and has become a symbol of the push to save nature in urban areas. Still, the government and RIICO, the state’s industrial agency, are going ahead with the work.

People have gathered many times to protest. They want the government to stop the project or find a different location. Ashutosh Ranka, one of the protest leaders, says saving the forest is the goal. “This is our last green space,” he said. “We’re not against development, but we can’t let it destroy nature.”

What’s happening in Dol Ka Baadh?

The Dol Ka Baadh forest is at the center of a major development project led by RIICO, the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation. The project includes plans to build the PM Unity Mall, a Fintech Park, and residential complexes. While these developments could bring economic growth and improve infrastructure in the area, many environmentalists and local residents believe it’s a harmful trade-off.

The forest is located in an area called Kunj, which is one of the few remaining green spaces in a city that is rapidly expanding. Environmentalists argue that this area is essential for maintaining biodiversity. The forest is home to various plants and animals, and it plays a key role in purifying the air and water. In a city like Jaipur, which faces high levels of air pollution, the forest's role in cleaning the air and water is crucial.

Voices of Dol ka Badh
Unshaken. Unbroken. Unstoppable. 💚
Hundreds of Jaipurites rise together to protect our green lungs.
This is more than a protest — it's a movement.#savedolkabadh pic.twitter.com/vzJ7Sk4GaH

— Let Jaipur Breathe Movement (@dolkabadh) May 12, 2025

In January 2025, RIICO issued a tender to begin construction on the PM Unity Mall. The project is expected to cost around 170 crores and is planned to be completed within 540 days. As the construction moves forward, the forest is starting to feel the impact. Trees are being marked for removal, and machinery has already started arriving. Activists warn that once the forest is destroyed, the damage will be irreversible, and the loss of this green space could have serious effects on the local climate and wildlife.

Local residents are also concerned about the animals and birds that live in the forest. This area has served as a sanctuary for many species, and clearing the land will force them to leave. This could disturb the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Why locals are protesting in Jaipur

People in Jaipur are protesting the destruction of the Dol Ka Baadh forest. On Sunday, many locals gathered near the forest to show their anger. They wore black bands to express their opposition and stood together to protect the green space. The protests have remained peaceful, but the situation is becoming more tense.

Ashutosh Ranka, one of the main voices behind the protest, said the forest must be saved. “We’re not against progress,” he said. “But we can’t let it happen at the cost of our environment. We want Jaipur to develop, but not by cutting down this forest.” Ranka explained that there are other places where the government can build without harming nature.

United for Nature, United for Dol Ka Badh!
Hundreds raise their voices to protect our forest and future.#SaveDolKaBadh pic.twitter.com/ulOf1uQqGJ

— Let Jaipur Breathe Movement (@dolkabadh) May 12, 2025

Despite the peaceful protest, police detained several people, including Ranka. “The police came and took us away without reason,” he said. “We were sitting quietly, not causing any harm. They didn’t let us call a lawyer and took us to a far-off police station.” Ranka described the arrests as unfair and said they violated their right to protest peacefully.

Another protestor, Chandraveer, said they were simply trying to save the forest. “This is not just a patch of trees,” he said. “It’s the future of our city. If the forest is gone, so is a big part of our environment.” He said the police action made people even more determined to keep fighting.

Proposed alternatives to Save Dol Ka Baadh

Protestors are not just saying no to the project. They’re offering solutions too. They want the government to save part of the forest and turn it into a biodiversity park. This would allow for both development and nature to exist together.

Kavita Shrivastava, head of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), joined the protest. She said the forest still has a chance. “The government can make this into a biodiversity park,” she said. “It would bring tourists, students, and nature lovers. It would also keep a part of Jaipur’s natural heritage alive.”

The protestors also say there’s empty land nearby. They believe the government can build the mall and homes on that land instead. “There are 20 to 30 acres of open land close to the site,” said Sawai Singh, another local protestor. “Why not use that? Why destroy a forest that’s been here for years?”

By offering other ideas, the protestors are pushing for a middle path. They want development, but not at the cost of the environment. Their message is clear: save the forest, find better places to build, and respect the voices of local people.

Protests against the destruction of the Dol Ka Baadh forest are still going strong. The fight between protecting nature and building new projects is getting more intense. Protesters stand firm. They believe the city can grow without cutting down the forest.

The government continues with its development plans. But locals and environmentalists are working hard to stop it. They are speaking out, organising protests, and trying to protect the forest’s future.

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