Inauguration of Aravalli Green Wall Project

• 27 Mar 2023

Why in News?

On 25 March 2023, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav in a program organized on the occasion of International Forest Day inaugurated the 'Aravalli Green Wall Project' in Tikli village of Gurugram district, Haryana.

Key Points

• The Aravalli Green Wall Project aims to green a buffer area of about 5 km of the Aravalli mountain range spread over five states.
• During the event, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav unveiled an action plan to combat desertification and land degradation through forestry and FAQs on agroforestry published by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
• The Aravalli Green Wall Project will not only increase the green cover and biodiversity of Aravalli through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water sources, but will also improve soil fertility, water availability and climate of the region.
• The project will benefit local communities by providing employment opportunities, income generation and ecosystem services.
• In the initial phase of the Aravalli Green Wall Project in Haryana, 75 water sources will be rejuvenated under the project, which began on 25 March with five water sources in each district of the Aravalli landscape.
• The project will also involve massive tree plantation drive and conservation of water resources in the Aravalli region. The project will cover barren land in Gurugram, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts.
• Voluntary organizations, Society for Geoinformatics and Sustainable Development and NGO, IMGurugram are engaged in mobilizing people for the purpose of Shramdaan for the revival of water bodies at Bandhwadi and Ghatbandh respectively.
• It is noteworthy that the Aravalli Green Wall Project is part of the Union Forest Ministry's vision to create green corridors across the country to combat land degradation and desertification. The project covers the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi where the Aravalli hills are spread over an area of 6 million hectares.
• The project will involve rejuvenating and restoring surface water sources such as ponds, lakes and rivers, as well as planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrub, barren land and degraded forest land.
• The project will also focus on agro-forestry and grassland development to enhance the livelihood of local communities.
• The Aravali Green Wall Project has the following objectives-
• Improving the ecological health of the Aravalli range.
• Preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert and reducing land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification and dust storms.
• This green wall will help reduce carbon sequestration and climate change by planting native tree species in the Aravalli region, providing habitat for wildlife and enhancing the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Aravalli Range by improving the quality and quantity of water Will do
• To promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities by involving local communities in afforestation, agro-forestry and water conservation activities that will lead to income, employment, food security and social benefits.
• The project will be executed by various stakeholders such as central and state governments, forest departments, research institutes, civil society organizations, private sector entities and local communities. To ensure the success of the project, work will be done on adequate financing, technical skills, policy coordination and public awareness etc.
• Contribute to India's commitments under various international conventions such as UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Diversification), CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
• To advance India's image as a global leader in environmental protection and green development.