ARAVALLI GREEN WALL PROJECT

Aravalli Green Wall project
The Aravalli Green Wall project is a significant initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes along the Aravalli mountain range, which stretches from Delhi to Gujarat. The project will involve planting saplings, removing invasive species, and improving forest health to protect the ecological balance.

When and where
The project is expected to be launched during a campaign on Mahavir Jayanti at Mahavir Jayanti Park in South Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is expected to join the Prime Minister during the launch in Delhi. Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat are also expected to launch the campaign in their respective states.

Primary focus of the project
The project focuses on large-scale landscape restoration, including:
• Removal of Prosopis juliflora (a kind of mesquite)
• Planting of native tree species
• Regeneration of forest areas under the forest departments
• Involving communities and scientific research

Threats Aravalli range faces
The Aravalli range faces increasing threats due to:
• Deforestation
• Mining activities
• Grazing
• Human encroachment

These have reduced forest cover, damaged aquifers, dried up lakes, and decreased the range’s ability to support wildlife.

How has desertification affected the Aravallis?
Forest lands around Sariska and Bardod Wildlife Sanctuaries were diverted before the 1980s, leading to forest cover loss. Desertification has increased as desert sands move eastward, threatening regions like Gurugram and Alwar.

What role has the Supreme Court played in protecting the Aravallis?
The Supreme Court has recognised the ecological importance of the Aravallis in multiple judgments. It has directed actions to stop mining and encroachment and to protect the region from further environmental damage.

How much land will be treated under the project?
The project aims to create a buffer zone covering 6.45 million hectares along the Aravalli range. The total treatable area is about 2.7 million hectares. Priority areas include forest patches degraded by erosion and human activities.

What is the project’s plan for ecological restoration?
Restoration will follow an integrated approach, focusing on:
• Improving forest cover
• Restoring grasslands
• Managing livestock
• Enhancing water systems using traditional and scientific methods
• Strengthening community involvement

What species will be planted in the project?
The project recommends planting 42 species of native trees, including:
• Khair (Indian Gum Arabic)
• Ronjh (White-barked Acacia)
• Dhau (Axlewood)
• Pilkhan (White Fig)
• Salai (Indian Frankincense)
• Bael Patra
• Goolar (Cluster Fig)
• Peepal (Sacred Fig)
• Neem
• Amaltas (Golden Shower)

How does the project address climate change?
As part of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, the project will create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030. It also aligns with India’s Bonn Challenge target to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land.

What role will local communities play in the project?
The project will involve local communities, civil society organisations, scientific institutions, and forest departments. These stakeholders will work together to ensure long-term maintenance, water conservation, and improved biodiversity.

Why is it important to declare the Aravallis as legal forests?
Currently, only a small portion of the Aravallis has ‘Recorded Forest Area’ status. Many parts are under threat from mining and urban expansion. Declaring them as legal forests under the Forest Conservation Act will ensure protection from further destruction.

What does the plan recommend for Delhi and Haryana specifically?
• In Delhi, it focuses on the Southern Ridge forest area (3,010.39 hectares).
• In Haryana, it focuses on 24,990 hectares of Recorded Forest Area in Bhivani, Mahendragarh, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Rewari.

When is the launch planned?
The launch is planned for June 5, World Environment Day, marking the start of this ambitious environmental programme.

What is the broader significance of the project?
The project is not only about planting trees—it is about restoring ecological balance, reviving water sources, and supporting biodiversity across four states. It will protect the future of millions who depend on the Aravallis for climate regulation and natural resources.