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Context: Aravalli Green Wall Project, a major initiative to green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states was launched at a function organised to celebrate the International Day of Forests at Tikli Village in Haryana.

Details: 

About Aravalli 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 hills landscape span over 6 million hectares of land.
• The project will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland and degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating and restoring surface water bodies such as ponds, lakes and streams.
• The project will also focus on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

Aravalli Green Wall Project in Haryana:

• In the initial phase, 75 water bodies will be rejuvenated under the project.
• The project will also include large-scale plantation drives and conservation of water resources in the Aravalli region.
• Voluntary organization, Society for Geoinformatics and Sustainable Development and NGO, IMGurgaon are being engaged to mobilize people for Shramdaan for revival of water bodies at Bandhwadi and Ghata Bundh respectively.

Objectives:

• Improving the ecological health of the Aravalli range
• To prevent eastward expansion of Thar Desert and to reduce land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification and dust storms
• This green wall will help in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change to enhance the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Aravalli range by planting native tree species in the Aravalli region, providing habitat for wildlife, improving water quality and quantity.
• 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.
• The project will be executed by various stakeholders.
• Contribute to India's commitments under various international conventions.
• Enhancing India's image as a global leader in environmental protection and green development.

Usefulness of the project:

• It will increase the green cover and biodiversity of the Aravalli through afforestation, reforestation and restoration of water bodies.
• It will improve the soil fertility, water availability and climate resilience of the region.
• The project will benefit the local communities by providing them with employment opportunities, income generation and ecosystem services.
• Rejuvenation of water bodies and catchment of the local streams will help in improving the overall soil moisture regime, productivity and drought resilience.

 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Discuss the salient features of the Aravalli Green Wall Project. How will it combat land degradation and desertification? (250 words)

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1910745