The memorial commemorates the 300 women from Madhapar village who worked overnight to repair the Bhuj IAF airstrip destroyed by enemy bombing in 1971.
It is part of a state-wide initiative to create 'Smrutivan' and 'Rakshak Van' zones that blend ecological conservation with cultural heritage.
The park utilizes drip irrigation systems to sustain plant life in the high-salinity soil of the Kutch region.
The site includes a digital light and sound projection area that highlights the history of the 1971 airstrip reconstruction.
Rakshak Van is a memorial forest park located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, specifically dedicated to the bravery of the local community during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Developed by the Gujarat Forest Department, the site features extensive plantation areas designed to commemorate the civilian heroes who repaired the Bhuj airfield under fire. The park spans approximately 4.5 hectares and incorporates indigenous tree species suited to the arid Kutch climate. Interpretive installations and plaques are placed throughout the grounds to detail the historical significance of the region's resistance. It serves as both a botanical space and a site of national historical remembrance. The layout integrates walking pathways among varied greenery, acting as a green lung for the surrounding semi-arid landscape.
The central commemorative pillar and the landscaped pathways framed by the park's desert-hardy trees.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are extensive and the terrain is primarily sandy or gravel-based.
Carry personal hydration, as water facilities within the park are limited during peak temperatures.
Visit during the late afternoon to experience the memorial lighting installations as dusk approaches.
Avoid visiting during the peak afternoon hours in summer when temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as it is a memorial site; refrain from littering or disturbing the planted areas.
