State to put Aravalli Green Wall Project on fast track
The Aravalli Green Wall Project, an initiative of the Union Environment Ministry to create a 1,400-km-long and 5-km-wide buffer zone around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states with a view to combating land degradation and desertification, is set to be put on fast track.
Taking a cue from Saudi Arabia following his five-day visit, state Environment and Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh today announced that the state would lead the initiative launched by the Centre last year.
“The Haryana Government in collaboration with the stakeholder states of Rajasthan, Delhi and Gujarat have ambitious plans to bolster environmental sustainability by speeding up the execution of the project. It would be modelled after Saudi Arabia's green initiatives, as the country has remarkable achievements in transforming arid landscapes into vibrant green belts,” he said.
The project aligned with PM Narendra Modi's vision of fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment through programmes like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the minister said.
Officials said the initiative would cover over 1.15 million hectare across the four states, demonstrating a model of multi-state collaboration. The project aimed to enhance afforestation with indigenous tree species, conserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost groundwater recharge.
Besides, rejuvenation of water bodies and catchment of local streams would be undertaken in a major way to improve the overall soil moisture regime, productivity and drought resilience.
The officials said besides increasing the green cover and biodiversity of the Aravallis through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water bodies, the initiative also planned to improve soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region. Employment opportunities, income generation and eco-system services were high on the agenda of the initiative.
In the first phase, around 75 water bodies would be rejuvenated. In Haryana, the project would cover degraded land in Gurugram, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari districts.
What is Green Wall project
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is part of the Union Environment Ministry's vision to create green corridors across the country to combat land degradation and desertification. The project covers states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi, where the Aravalli landscape spans over 6 million hectare.
Taking cue from Saudi Arabia
“The project will be modelled after Saudi Arabia's green initiatives, as the country has remarkable achievements in transforming arid landscapes into vibrant green belts.” — Rao Narbir Singh, Environment & Forests Minister
