On 25th March 2023, Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project, a major initiative to green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states(Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi) where the Aravalli hills span over 6 million hectares of land.
- The initiative was launched during the event organised to celebrate the International Day of Forests (21st March) at Tikli Village in Gurugram, Haryana.
- This project is in line with the government of India’s commitment to achieving the national goal of creating an additional 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon sink by 2030.
Other Highlights:
i.During the event, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav also unveiled the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation Through Forestry Interventions and a FAQ(frequently asked questions) on Agro-forestry published by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education(ICFRE), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC).
ii.He also participated in the plantation drive organised as a part of the event.
About Aravalli Green Wall Project:
i.Aravalli Green Wall Project is a part of the MoEF&CC’s vision to create green corridors across India to combat desertification and land degradation.
ii.This will support carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change to enhance biodiversity.
iii.In the initial phase of the Aravalli Green Wall Project, 75 water bodies will be rejuvenated, starting with 5 waterbodies each in every district of the Aravalli landscape on 25th March 2023.
iv.The project also includes large-scale plantation drives and the conservation of water resources in the Aravalli region.
Actions:
- Planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland and degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating
- restoring surface water bodies: ponds, lakes and streams.
- The project also focuses on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.
Objectives:
- To improve the ecological health of the Aravalli range
- To prevent the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert and to reduce land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification and dust storms.
- To promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities by involving local communities in afforestation, agro-forestry and water conservation activities that will generate income, employment, food security and social benefits.
Execution:
i.The project will be executed by various stakeholders such as central and state governments, forest departments, research institutes, civil society organisations, private sector entities and local communities.
ii.Adequate funding, technical skills, policy coordination and public awareness will be called upon to ensure the success of the project.
Benefits:
i.The Aravalli Green Wall Project will increase the green cover and biodiversity of the Aravalli range through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water bodies.
ii.The project will also improve soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region.
iii.Under this project, the local communities will be benefited through employment opportunities, income generation and ecosystem services.
iv.The project is implemented through the efforts of the Haryana Forest Department and other stakeholders.
v.This project will contribute to commitments of India under various international conventions such as UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
vi.This will also promote India as a global leader in environmental protection and green development.
Aravalli Green Wall Project in Haryana
i.In Haryana, the Aravalli Green Wall Project will cover degraded land in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Mahendergarh and Rewari.
Society for Geoinformatics and Sustainable Development, a Voluntary organization and IMGurgaon, a non-governmental organization (NGO) are engaged to involve people for Shramdaan for the revival of water bodies at Bandhwadi and Ghata Bundh respectively.
Recent Related News:
On 4th February 2023, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’, a campaign structured on a “whole of society” approach for wetlands conservation, during the National level Celebration of World Wetlands Day at Nanda Lake in Goa.
- World Wetlands Day 2023 was observed on 2nd February 2023. The day is annually observed on 2nd February to mark the signing of the Ramsar convention on Wetlands of International importance.
About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC):
Union Minister– Bhupender Yadav(Rajya Sabha- Rajasthan)
Minister of State(MoS)– Ashwini Kumar Choubey (Constituency- Buxar, Bihar)
