Aravali Green Wall Project | 05 Dec 2024

Why in News?

At a United Nations climate event held as part of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Data (UNCCD) CoP16, India highlighted its ambitious 'Aravali Green Wall' project, emphasizing the importance of adopting innovative approaches to restore degraded forest lands on a global scale.

Key Points

• About the Aravali Green Wall Project Presentation:
  • Inspired by Africa's Great Green Wall initiative, the Aravali Green Wall project aims to-
    • Restore over 1.1 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2027.
    • Focus on afforestation with native species, soil health improvement, and groundwater replenishment.
    • Develop an "ecological wall" to mitigate urban heat islands and act as a carbon sink for NCR.
• Significance of the Aravali Hills:
  • The Aravali range acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert.
  • It serves as a "repository of unique flora and fauna" but is facing severe challenges, including land degradation and desertification, encroachment, mining, and urbanisation.
• Need for Restoration:
  • Urgent action is required to address these threats and reverse the degradation.
  • The restoration effort involves collaboration among Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• Implementation Strategy:
  • State governments will plant millions of native trees and shrubs and promote soil conservation.
  • The first phase in Haryana will involve the revival of 66 water bodies in key districts, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Bhiwani.
    • Haryana's plan covers the restoration of 35,000 hectares, with 18,000 hectares in Gurgaon alone.
• Global Appeal and Vision:
  • Global partnerships involving governments, international organisations, and private entities are called to support the initiative with technical and financial resources.
  • The project aims to serve as a "blueprint" for global efforts to restore degraded landscapes.
• Innovative Approaches:
  • The project incorporates nature-based solutions, focusing on afforestation with indigenous species, Soil health and moisture rejuvenation, Community participation in conservation.