Chandigarh, Feb 5
Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh on Wednesday said the government has been increasing the greenery through afforestation in Aravalli, one of the oldest mountain ranges in India that starts from Delhi and runs mostly through Rajasthan.
Spanning over 1.15 million hectares, the Aravalli Range covers parts of Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.
To enhance the environmental balance in the region, the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- Mission LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) -- along with the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' programme is a commendable step, he said.
In line with this, Haryana has prepared an outline of the Aravalli Green Wall Project, inspired by similar efforts in Saudi Arabia, aimed at increasing the region’s greenery. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav will officially inaugurate the project on February 6.
Rao Narbir Singh highlighted that while Saudi Arabia is a desert country, it has successfully increased its greenery through the development of green belts in an impressive manner.
Inspired by this, the Central government has entrusted Haryana with the responsibility of preparing the Aravalli Green Wall Project.
The minister said he visited Saudi Arabia to observe the Green Wall Project.
He said he would soon embark on a four-day study tour, starting February 7, to study the Gorewada Wildlife Safari in Nagpur in Maharashtra and the Vantara Project in Jamnagar in Gujarat.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project aims to improve over 1.15 million hectares of land across four states -- Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, creating an exemplary model of multi-state cooperation.
The project will focus on afforestation using indigenous forest species, with an emphasis on biodiversity conservation, improving soil health, and enhancing groundwater recharge.
The minister said along with the Green Wall Project, the government is moving forward on the proposal of Jungle Safari Project to promote eco-tourism in this mountain range.
Recently, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has handed over the responsibility of implementing the Jungle Safari Project to the Forest and Wildlife Department instead of the Tourism Department.
He said this project will create green employment opportunities for the local population in the Aravalli region, while also promoting biodiversity conservation and environmentally sustainable resource management.
He said Van Mitras have been appointed to raise awareness among the younger generation about this initiative and to enhance their livelihoods.