The Aravalli Green Wall project is a vital initiative designed to restore degraded landscapes along the Aravalli mountain range, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat. This ambitious project involves planting saplings, eradicating invasive plant species, and enhancing forest health to maintain ecological balance.
The project is set to be launched during a campaign on Mahavir Jayanti at Mahavir Jayanti Park in South Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will join the Prime Minister for the launch. Chief Ministers from Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat are also poised to inaugurate the campaign in their respective states.
The primary aim of the project is large-scale landscape restoration, which includes:
The Aravalli range faces significant threats from:
These factors have led to diminished forest cover, damaged aquifers, dried-up lakes, and reduced wildlife support in the region.
Desertification has significantly impacted the Aravallis, with the diversion of forest lands around Sariska and Bardod Wildlife Sanctuaries before the 1980s leading to substantial forest cover loss. As desert sands shift eastward, areas like Gurugram and Alwar are increasingly threatened.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged the ecological significance of the Aravallis in multiple rulings. It has mandated actions to halt mining and encroachment, thereby protecting the region from further environmental degradation.
The project aims to establish a buffer zone of 6.45 million hectares along the Aravalli range, with about 2.7 million hectares designated for treatment. Priority areas include forest patches suffering from erosion and human activities.
The restoration strategy follows an integrated approach, focusing on:
The project recommends planting 42 species of native trees, including:
The project aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, aiming to establish an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030. It also supports India’s Bonn Challenge target to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land.
Local communities, civil society organizations, scientific institutions, and forest departments will collaborate on the project. Their cooperation is vital for ensuring long-term maintenance, water conservation, and improved biodiversity.
Currently, only a small portion of the Aravallis has 'Recorded Forest Area' status. Many areas are threatened by mining and urban expansion. Declaring them as legal forests under the Forest Conservation Act is crucial for their protection against further destruction.
The launch is scheduled for June 5, World Environment Day, marking the commencement of this ambitious environmental initiative.
This project transcends mere tree planting; it aims to restore ecological balance, revive water sources, and enhance biodiversity across four states. It will safeguard the future of millions who rely on the Aravallis for climate regulation and natural resources.
Q1. What is the Aravalli Green Wall project?
Answer: The Aravalli Green Wall project aims to restore degraded landscapes along the Aravalli mountain range through planting native species and improving forest health.
Q2. Why are local communities involved in the project?
Answer: Local communities play a vital role in the project for long-term maintenance, water conservation, and enhancing biodiversity through collaborative efforts.
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