Gurugram: New restoration plan for Aravallis unveiled

In what is being called a big step, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has drafted a special Aravalli restoration plan, which he unveiled at a national-level workshop in Udaipur.

The minister said PM Narendra Modi had launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative from the Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi — forming a part of the Aravallis — on the occasion of World Environment Day last year. "The Aravalli Green Wall Project will not only lead to increase in the green cover and biodiversity of the Aravallis through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water bodies, but also improve the soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region, besides generating meaningful livelihood opportunities," he said.

He exhorted all stakeholders across the four states to adopt a ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach in the restoration of the Aravallis.

The action plan outlines a science-based, community-led, and policy-supported roadmap to restore the ecological integrity of the Aravallis. It focuses on five pillars — Ecological restoration: assisted natural regeneration, native species plantation, soil and moisture conservation; community participation: involving local communities in planning and implementation; policy and governance: strengthening regulatory frameworks, convergence of schemes, and effective monitoring; sustainable livelihoods: promoting eco-tourism, agro-forestry, and non-timber forest produce-based enterprises; research and innovation: using GIS-based mapping, remote sensing, and restoration ecology practices for informed action.