Green Wall Project for Environmental Rejuvenation

As one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, the Aravalli Range acts as a shield against deserts, serves as a biodiversity hotspot, and is even home to a sweet groundwater reservoir. Unfortunately, rampant urbanization, illegal mining, deforestation, and various construction activities have compromised this incredibly important natural barrier, resulting in soil and habitat loss and a drastic drop in air quality. To initiate restoration, the Haryana government has set into motion the Green Wall Project, which aims to promote large-scale afforestation in the Aravallis region.

But Why Aravallis? What Significance Does It Hold For The Geography Around It?

The rugged hills of Aravallis have stood tall for millions of years, witnessing the Earth’s evolution. In fact, the first stirrings of multicellular life began around the Aravallis, making them not just a geological marvel but also a cradle of life. Though its significance was ignored for a long time, now is the time to realize the significance Aravallis holds for the nearby geography.

A Natural Purifier For Polluted Air in the NCR

Delhi-NCR is grappling with serious air quality problems. The Aravalli hills serve as a filter for it. Unfortunately, with more than 31% of this range vanishing, their capacity to soak up carbon and clear pollutants has diminished. Thus, the pollution conditions are getting even worse. Recovery through afforestation along the Aravallis as part of the Green Wall Project could serve as a natural air purifier. It will help lessen pollution and provide cleaner air for millions in the region.

A Lifeline for Natural Biodiversity and Water Resources

The Aravallis, though encircled by the growing city, remains a sanctuary for leopards, hyenas, pangolins, and 250+ bird species. Mangar Bani, one of its last pristine forests on the South Delhi ridge of Aravallis, faces an uncertain future. These hills also give rise to the Luni River, vital for Rajasthan’s water needs. But unchecked mining and deforestation are depleting and polluting this lifeline. The Green Wall Project offers a chance to revive lost habitats and secure water for the region.

India’s Ancient Shield Against Desertification

Did you know that if it weren't for the Aravalli hills, the Thar desert in western India might have spread right into cities like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana? Over time, these hills have served as a natural barrier, stopping that from happening. However, deforestation and mining have severely weakened this function, allowing desertification to creep into fertile regions. A Green Wall along the Aravallis can help restore lost vegetation and reinforce this shield. It would ensure better land conservation and climate resilience.

About the Green Wall Project

The Aravalli Green Wall project is a thoughtful step for environmental rejuvenation. Aravallis green wall spans across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi with a length of 1400 kilometers and a width of 5 kilometers.

The project aims to restore the ecological balance of the Aravalli ranges by covering 75 villages that attempt to bring back the green cover and restore ecologically sustainable practices.

Inspiration from International Conservation Efforts

The Global data on afforestation projects and conservation activities around the world serve as a guiding framework for The Aravalli Green Wall Project.

The project’s blueprint aligns with Africa's Great Green Wall. The African project seeks to combat desertification through land restoration and improvement of local livelihoods in the Sahel region.
It also takes cues from Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative. Saudi Arabia plans to plant 10 billion trees to battle desert expansion and carbon emissions.

Green Wall Project: Current Phase and Goals

The project is currently in its first phase. Here are the goals to achieve by the end:

Haryana is working towards a target of 35,000 hectares of Aravalli land being restored. Out of which, 18,000 hectares are in Gurgaon.
Around 75 water bodies will be created across the Aravalli region. It will help in the rejuvenation of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh, Rewari, Mahendergarh, Charkhi Dadri, and Bhiwani districts.
Local catchments of the streams will be treated to enhance the soil moisture, productivity, and drought tolerance of the soil.

A Green Barrier with Far-Reaching Impact

The project plans to plant native trees along the Aravalli range, creating a natural shield against dust storms from western India and Pakistan. But the benefits go beyond reforestation:

Boosting Biodiversity: The green corridor will provide safe habitats for wildlife.
Improving Air & Water Quality: More greenery means cleaner air and better water conservation.
Climate Action: The trees will help capture carbon, mitigating climate change.
Empowering Communities: Afforestation, agroforestry, and water conservation will create jobs, enhance food security, and foster a sustainable future.

The Haryana Government and Nature Conservancy India Solutions Join Forces

The Haryana Government and Nature Conservancy India Solutions hosted the Aravalli Green Wall Partnership Summit from February 6-8, 2025, in Gurugram. The event brings together leaders from government, conservation groups, and civil society. The goal is to work together, find new solutions, and take action for a sustainable future for Aravallis.

A Step Toward a Global Movement?

The Green Wall of India is not just an afforestation program, it aims to restore ecosystems, engage communities, and build a sustainable future. Is this possibly the beginning of a global effort to combat desertification in India? Only time can tell. However, India is already spearheading the battle.

In conjunction with this initiative, the government has also set up the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation by Forestry Development Activities. This plan focuses on the immense importance of the Aravalli Green Wall Project for landscape improvement and environmental sustainability.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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Ayushi is passionate about creating content that not only interests the reader but actually helps them add to their knowledge. Holding a degree in science, Ayushi is exploring her creative writing as she transforms ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.