Barmer, Oct. 2 -- Hundreds of khejri trees, Rajasthan's state tree and desert lifeline, are mysteriously drying in border villages. The state's forest department has formed teams to investigate after villagers raised the issue in grievance camps. The state tree of Rajasthan, which is also considered as the lifeline of the desert - are reportedly drying up in several villages along the Indo-Pak border in Barmer district. Villagers flagged the issue during recent grievance camps, urging immediate intervention into the drying of the trees they see as vital. Considered the backbone of Rajasthan's arid ecology, Khejri is not only the only major tree found in these far-flung desert areas but also a crucial source of fodder, shade, and livelihood support for pastoral communities. The sudden withering of large numbers of trees has sparked concern among locals, who fear severe ecological and economic consequences if the trend continues unchecked. The Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria), revered for its ecological, cultural, and economic significance, sustains rural life in arid regions. Its pods (sangri) are a staple in Rajasthani cuisine, while its leaves serve as vital fodder for livestock. Known for preventing desertification and conserving groundwater, Khejri remains the only major tree thriving across the Thar Desert. Local resident Dungar Rathi said that for the past few months, Khejri trees have been mysteriously drying up. "At first, we suspected termites, but that was not the case. Shockingly, only Khejri trees are affected, while other species remain untouched. We tried several measures but failed, so we approached the forest department," he said. Deputy conservator of forests Savita Dahiya confirmed that villagers raised the issue during the recently held Gramin Sewa Shivir. "Teams have been sent to the affected villages, but so far the exact cause has not been identified," she said. According to Dahiya, what is particularly alarming is that the mysterious disease appears to be affecting only the Khejri trees, while other vegetation remains untouched. "We have formed a special team and also sought technical support from the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI), Jodhpur," she said. Professor Anil Kumar Chhangani, head of the environmental science department at Maharaja Ganga Singh University, suggested that contaminated water or bacterial infection could be possible causes. "Soil and water testing may throw more light on the issue," he said. Villagers now await a scientific assessment and remedial measures to save what they call the desert's green lifeline....