MoEFCC launches Aravalli Green Wall Project

• Aravalli Green Wall Project is inspired by Africa’s Great Green Wall (GGW) programme, an initiative launched in 2007 in Sahel region bordering Africa’s Sahara Desert, to combat desertification and land degradation. GGW project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
• Green Wall Project is a major initiative to create green corridors in 5 km buffer area around Aravalli Hill Range in four states – Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi.
• It’ll 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.
• Objectives
  • Improving ecological health of Aravalli range.
  • Prevent eastward expansion of Thar Desert and reduce land degradation.
  • Increase carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.
  • Promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities by involving local communities.
  • Contribute to India’s commitments under various international conventions such as United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
  • Enhancing India’s image as a global leader in environmental protection and green development.

About Aravalli range

• Aravalli range extends from Gujarat to Delhi passing through Rajasthan and Haryana in a southwest-northeast direction.
• Highest peak – Guru Shikhar on Mount Abu.
• It is considered the oldest range of fold-mountains in India.
• It gives rise to several rivers, including the Banas, Luni and Sabarmati.