Aravalli Green Wall: Combating Desertification with Sustainability

Why in the news?

The Union Environment Ministry launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project to green a 5 km buffer zone around the Aravalli Hills, addressing desertification, land degradation, and ecological challenges across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.

Aravalli Green Wall: Combating Desertification with Sustainability

Scope and Overview:

  • The Aravalli Green Wall Project aims to establish a 5 km green buffer around the Aravalli Hills, covering over 6 million hectares across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
  • Initiated by the Union Environment Ministry, it addresses land degradation, desertification, and regional ecological challenges.
  • Focuses on planting native tree and shrub species on scrubland, wasteland, and degraded forest areas while rejuvenating ponds, lakes, and streams.

Key Objectives:

  • Ecological Restoration:
    • Establish green barriers to curb soil erosion, desertification, and the eastward spread of the Thar Desert.
  • Climate Action:
    • Enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity to mitigate climate change and strengthen ecosystem services.
  • Community Development:
    • Engage local communities in afforestation, agroforestry, and water conservation, promoting employment, income, and food security.
  • Global Commitments:
    • Align with India’s international obligations under conventions like the UNCCD, CBD, and UNFCCC.

Significance:

  • The project fosters sustainable development and combats desertification while setting a national example for creating green corridors.
  • Agroforestry and pasture development under the initiative enhance community livelihoods and strengthen environmental resilience.
  • Reinforces India’s dedication to environmental conservation and climate action, contributing to long-term ecological health.

About Aravalli Green Wall Project:

  • Aims: to green a 5 km buffer around the Aravalli Hills across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering 6 million hectares.
  • Focuses on planting native tree and shrub species, restoring water bodies, agroforestry, and pasture development.
  • Prevents desertification, soil erosion, and the Thar Desert’s eastward expansion.
  • Enhances carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and ecosystem services while combating climate change.
  • Promotes sustainable development by involving local communities for livelihoods and food security.
  • Supports India’s global commitments under UNCCD, CBD, and UNFCCC.

Aravalli Mountain Range:

  • The oldest folded mountain range on Earth, spanning 800 km from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan and Haryana.
  • Guru Peak on Mount Abu is its highest point.
  • Climate Impact:
  • Guides monsoon clouds eastward, aiding sub-Himalayan rivers and north Indian plains.
  • Shields fertile plains from cold Central Asian winds during winter.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times