The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a significant initiative launched by Shri Bhupender Yadav, in line with the Union Environment Ministry’s vision to create green corridors across the country to combat land degradation and desertification. The project aims to green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range, which spans over 6 million hectares of land in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
Restoring the Ecological Health of the Aravalli Range
The primary objective of the Aravalli Green Wall Project is to improve the ecological health of the Aravalli range. The project seeks to prevent the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert and reduce land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification, and dust storms. The project will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland, and degraded forest land.
Reviving the Aravallis through Various Initiatives
In addition to afforestation, the Aravalli Green Wall Project will also focus on various initiatives such as a single-use plastic ban, water conservation efforts, and natural resources protection. In the initial phase, 75 water bodies will be rejuvenated under the project.
The project is conceptualised on the lines of the African Green Wall programme, which was launched in Sahel, the region bordering Africa’s Sahara Desert, to increase the amount of arable land.
Contributing to India’s Commitments under International Conventions
The Aravalli Green Wall Project will contribute 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).
The project will help in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change to enhance the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Aravalli range. It will provide habitat for wildlife, improve water quality and quantity, and 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.
Enhancing India’s Image as a Global Leader in Environmental Protection and Green Development
The Aravalli Green Wall Project will also enhance India’s image as a global leader in environmental protection and green development. The project is a significant step towards achieving India’s commitment to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. The project will also help in achieving India’s goal of increasing the country’s forest cover to 33% under the Paris Agreement.
Why In News
Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project, a significant step towards restoring the ecological health of the Aravalli range. The project aims to create a 5 km green buffer zone around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states by planting native trees and shrubs, restoring surface water bodies, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
MCQs on The Aravalli Green Wall Project
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What is the Aravalli Green Wall Project?
A. A project to green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range
B. A project to create green corridors across India
C. A project to develop pasture land
D. A project to build a wall around the Aravalli hills
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What is the objective of the Aravalli Green Wall Project?
A. To prevent the expansion of the Thar desert and reduce land degradation
B. To build a wall around the Aravalli hills
C. To promote single-use plastic ban in four states
D. To provide habitat for wildlife in the Aravalli range
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What international conventions does the Aravalli Green Wall Project contribute to?
A. UNCCD, CBD and UNFCCC
B. UNSC, WHO and WTO
C. UNHCR, UNICEF and UNDP
D. UNGA, UNFPA and UNESCO
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What is the aim of the Aravalli Green Wall Project?
A. To improve the ecological health of the Aravalli range
B. To promote the use of single-use plastic in the Aravalli range
C. To increase the expansion of Thar Desert
D. To decrease the number of native tree species in the Aravalli region
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