Union Minister launches Aravalli Green Wall Project, a major initiative to green 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches Aravalli Green Wall Project, a major initiative to green 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states” published in PIB on 26th March 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

What is the Aravalli Green Wall Project?

The Aravalli Green Wall Project is part of the Union Environment 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 landscape span over 6 million hectares of land.

Objectives of the project:

– 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

Features of the project: The project will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland and degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating and restoring surface water bodies such as ponds, lakes and streams. 

– The project will also focus on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

Significance of the project: The project will help in:

– Promoting 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. 

– Contributing to India’s commitments 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).