What is the Aravalli Green Wall Project?
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a large-scale ecological restoration initiative launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aimed at combating desertification and restoring degraded land across the Aravalli range spanning Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
Spearheaded under India’s commitment to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 as per the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the project envisions a green belt over 1,400 km long and 5 km wide, stitched across fragmented forest patches of the Aravallis.
“This is not merely an afforestation programme — it’s a battle to reclaim our ecological security,” said Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav at the launch.
Why Are the Aravallis So Crucial?
Often described as the “lungs of North India,” the Aravalli hills act as a natural barrier against desertification, preventing the Thar Desert from encroaching into the fertile Gangetic plains. Stretching from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana into Delhi, the range regulates microclimates, stores groundwater, controls dust pollution, and supports rich biodiversity.
However, in recent decades, illegal mining, rampant urbanization, deforestation, and climate change have severely degraded this 3.5-billion-year-old mountain chain, especially in Haryana and Delhi-NCR.
A 2022 report by CAG flagged that over 75% of the Aravalli forests in Haryana were classified as “degraded”, while a TERI study warned that Delhi’s pollution levels could worsen drastically if the Aravallis continue to shrink.
Haryana Takes the Lead in 2024 Rollout
Recognizing the ecological urgency, Haryana has emerged as a key focus region for the Aravalli Green Wall Project. According to official sources and local media, the state plans to plant over 75 lakh trees across Aravalli districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh, Mahendragarh, and Rewari under this green initiative.
This is in line with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, launched to encourage community participation and emotional connect with tree plantations.
“This is a movement for survival — for cleaner air, cooler cities, and a livable future,” said a senior Haryana Forest Department official.
Additionally, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) is collaborating with satellite monitoring teams to map degraded lands for targeted intervention.
Community Participation Gains Momentum
From school-led plantation drives to panchayat-level awareness campaigns, Haryana’s Green Wall effort is increasingly becoming community-led.
- Local NGOs and resident welfare associations (RWAs) in Gurugram and Faridabad are adopting forest patches for greening.
- Van Mahotsav 2024 will be integrated with the Green Wall theme to create wider outreach.
- CSR funding and urban volunteer groups are being mobilized for sapling care and water provisioning — especially in dry summer months.
“The forest belongs to the people — and only with the people can we revive it,” shared Rina Ray, a Gurugram-based conservation activist working with school children in Aravali villages.
Implementation on the Ground: How the Green Wall is Taking Shape
Following the blueprint outlined in Part 1, the Aravalli Green Wall Project is now in its execution phase across identified stretches of degraded forest land in Haryana. The Haryana Forest Department, in collaboration with the Centre and local bodies, has begun rolling out a coordinated afforestation strategy that focuses on native species, soil enrichment, and eco-restoration.
As per Haryana’s Environment Minister Kanwar Pal, “The plantation will be based on scientific methods and soil conditions. Efforts are being made to ensure that not only trees are planted, but they also survive and grow into full canopies.”
Key Implementation Steps:
- Land Mapping: 40,000 hectares in southern Haryana were demarcated for greening.
- Native Tree Plantation: Species suited to Aravalli’s terrain such as Dhak, Khejri, Babool, and Ber are being prioritized.
- Water Conservation Measures: Check dams, recharge pits, and contour trenches are being created to support sapling survival and improve soil moisture.
Local Participation and Community Involvement
The government is emphasizing public ownership of the project. Residents, schools, and NGOs in affected districts — especially in Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, and Mahendragarh — are being encouraged to adopt green patches or take part in plantation drives.
An official from the Gurugram Forest Division noted, “We want the people to become custodians of these green belts. Without their involvement, it’s difficult to sustain such an ambitious initiative.”
- Van Mahotsav-style drives are being planned for July and August
- Educational institutions are partnering to create awareness about the Aravallis’ ecological role
- Locals in Nuh and Mahendragarh are being trained as forest watchers and caretakers
Obstacles and Ground Realities
While the project sounds promising, the road ahead is not without hurdles.
1. Land Encroachment:
Several forest areas designated for restoration are already under illegal occupation. Clearing these without triggering legal disputes or unrest poses a challenge.
2. Water Scarcity:
South Haryana faces acute groundwater depletion. Survival rates of planted saplings could drop unless sustainable irrigation measures are adopted.
3. Urban Pressure:
Delhi-NCR’s real estate boom continues to pressurize remaining green spaces. Some local activists fear the project may be symbolic unless backed by stricter land-use controls.
Long-Term Vision: Beyond the Green Wall
The Aravalli Green Wall is not just about trees — it’s a multi-dimensional climate resilience strategy for northern India. If implemented effectively, it could:
- Strengthen carbon sinks in NCR
- Reduce dust storms from Rajasthan entering Delhi
- Improve air quality in major cities like Gurugram and Faridabad
- Support biodiversity corridors across fragmented landscapes
Experts also believe the project can serve as a replicable model for other vulnerable regions in India facing desertification — such as Bundelkhand or western Madhya Pradesh.
What Lies Ahead?
The coming monsoon season will be a critical litmus test. Haryana aims to plant over 1 crore saplings by the end of the year. The challenge lies in ensuring that these do not just fill targets on paper but actually thrive.
More policy clarity is also expected in the coming weeks, especially as the Centre pushes for amendments in land-use regulation through the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and State Forest Acts.
A senior MoEFCC official told Indian Express, “This is a long-term commitment — not a one-season fix. It needs yearly follow-ups, community ownership, and strict monitoring.”
FAQs on the Aravalli Green Wall Project
1. What exactly is the Aravalli Green Wall Project?
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a large-scale afforestation and land restoration initiative launched by the Indian government to combat desertification in northern India by creating a green buffer zone across the Aravalli Range, spanning Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
2. Why is the project focused on southern Haryana?
Southern Haryana has been one of the most ecologically degraded areas due to deforestation, illegal mining, and construction activity. The region also faces severe groundwater depletion and air pollution, making it a high-priority zone for green restoration.
3. What kind of trees are being planted under this project?
The project focuses on planting native and drought-resistant species like Dhak, Khejri, Babool, and Ber — which are well-suited to the Aravalli ecosystem and require minimal water for survival.
4. Who is funding the Aravalli Green Wall Project?
The project is funded jointly by the central government (under the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification), state governments (particularly Haryana), and assisted by local panchayats, CSR partnerships, and non-profits.
5. How will this project impact residents of Delhi-NCR?
Once mature, the Aravalli Green Wall is expected to reduce dust storms, improve air quality, restore groundwater levels, and provide a natural barrier against heat waves — offering both ecological and public health benefits to people in Delhi-NCR.
6. Are local communities involved in the plantation drives?
Yes, the project emphasizes community participation. Locals, schoolchildren, and NGOs are encouraged to take part in plantation and maintenance drives, especially in districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, and Mahendragarh.
7. How long will it take for the Aravalli Green Wall to show results?
Experts estimate that visible ecological benefits, such as improved greenery and air quality, could take 3–5 years — depending on plantation survival rates, irrigation, and protection from encroachments or grazing.
8. Is this project different from the Land Pooling Policy or DDA reforms?
Yes. While the Green Wall is an environmental restoration effort, the Land Pooling Policy and DDA reforms deal with urban land development. However, both are being aligned to ensure balanced ecological and infrastructure planning.