Aravalli Green Wall Project

Introduction

The Aravalli Green Wall Project is an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at combating land degradation, desertification, and promoting biodiversity conservation. The project seeks to establish a 1,400 km-long and 5 km-wide green belt along the Aravalli hill range, covering Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. This effort aligns with India’s commitment to land restoration and climate resilience under the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification (NAPCD).

Objectives of the Project

Combat Desertification: Mitigate the desert-like conditions expanding from the Thar Desert towards northern India, especially in Delhi-NCR.
Increase Green Cover: Through afforestation, reforestation, and plantation of native species.
Enhance Soil and Water Resources: Improve soil fertility, water retention, and rejuvenate degraded water bodies.
Biodiversity Conservation: Protect the rich flora and fauna of the Aravalli region.
Support Livelihoods: Promote agroforestry and pasture development, benefiting local communities.

Key Features

Green Corridor: The project will transform degraded scrublands, wastelands, and forest areas into green landscapes.
Water Body Rejuvenation: In its initial phase, 75 water bodies are being restored, focusing on improving soil moisture and drought resilience.
Native Vegetation: Plantation of indigenous tree and shrub species to ensure ecological balance.
Agroforestry and Socioeconomic Development: Integration of pasture development and agroforestry to support community livelihoods.
Community Involvement: Mobilization of local communities through organizations like the Society for Geoinformatics and Sustainable Development.

Importance of the Aravalli Hills

The Aravalli Hills are one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, stretching over 800 km. They play a crucial role in:

Regulating monsoon patterns and guiding clouds.
Acting as a natural barrier against the spread of desertification.
Protecting the northern plains from cold winter winds from Central Asia.
Hosting diverse ecosystems with endemic flora and fauna.

Challenges Addressed by the Project

Land Degradation: According to ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, substantial areas in Haryana and Rajasthan face severe degradation.
Water Scarcity: Rejuvenating water bodies and restoring the catchment areas are critical to addressing declining groundwater levels.
Urban Encroachment: Many forest areas in the Aravallis remain unnotified, leaving them vulnerable to illegal activities and urbanization.

Impact of Cyclones

Cyclones can have devastating impacts, including:

Loss of Life and Property: High winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges can lead to significant loss of life and property damage.
Agricultural Damage: Cyclones can destroy crops, leading to food shortages and economic loss for farmers.
Infrastructure Damage: Cyclones can damage roads, bridges, power lines, and other critical infrastructure.
Flooding and Erosion: Heavy rains and storm surges can cause flooding and coastal erosion, leading to long-term environmental damage.

Global Inspiration: The Great Green Wall of Africa

The project draws inspiration from the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa, which aims to combat desertification across the Sahel region. India’s Aravalli Green Wall similarly emphasizes sustainable land management and improving climate resilience.

Government’s Commitment

The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to achieve its Paris Agreement goals:

Creating a 2.5 billion-ton carbon sink by 2030.
Restoring degraded land and enhancing climate resilience through forestry and afforestation efforts.

Key Benefits

Environmental: Improved biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation.
Economic: Enhanced livelihoods through agroforestry and employment opportunities.
Social: Community-driven conservation fostering greater participation and awareness.

UPSC Relevance

This project is relevant for various sections of the UPSC syllabus:

GS Paper 3: Topics on environmental pollution, land degradation, and sustainable development.
Essay Paper: Themes on environmental conservation and climate action.
Prelims: Questions on geography (Aravalli Range), government schemes, and biodiversity.

Conclusion

The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a landmark initiative in India’s environmental policy landscape. By addressing critical issues like desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change, it aligns with national and global sustainability goals. UPSC aspirants should focus on the ecological, socioeconomic, and policy aspects of the project to frame well-rounded answers in both prelims and mains examinations.

Maximize the benefits of mock tests for IAS and KAS preparation with guidance from Amoghavarsha IAS Academy . For more details, visit https://amoghavarshaiaskas.in/.

Youtube: click here