Haryana's Bold Steps for Aravali Conservation: What You Need to Know
Commitment to Aravali Conservation
Chandigarh: Rao Narbir Singh, the Haryana Minister for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife, announced on Thursday the state's dedication to preserving the Aravali mountain range.
To achieve this goal, the Haryana Aravali Green Wall Project is being implemented, targeting significant environmental issues like desertification, land degradation, and drought. A comprehensive action plan is set to be executed by 2030.
Expressing appreciation for the Central government's support, he noted that hosting this significant event at the IUCN Pavilion is a point of pride for Haryana.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, transformative initiatives such as Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' have been introduced, turning environmental conservation into a widespread movement.
These programs are motivating individuals at various levels—global, national, and local—to embrace sustainable living.
Motivated by the Prime Minister's vision and led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the government has initiated innovative programs like Oxy Van, Pran Vayu Devta Yojana, and Van Mitra Yojana to encourage community involvement. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to the conservation of the Aravali.
The Forest Minister revealed plans to offer an annual stipend to farmers for preserving native tree species such as 'Jati' and 'Roheda' in southern Haryana areas like Mahendragarh, Rewari, Narnaul, Charkhi Dadri, Badhra, and Loharu, similar to the Pran Vayu Devta Yojana. This effort aims to sustain greenery in the Aravali region while actively engaging local communities in conservation.
Rao Narbir Singh emphasized the ecological importance of the Aravali mountain range for Haryana, serving as a natural barrier against desertification and a crucial source of biodiversity, water security, and climate stability.
The Aravali is essential for groundwater recharge, improving air quality, mitigating climate change effects, and supporting livelihoods in arid and semi-arid areas.
He noted that the Aravali range is recognized globally for its cultural and historical significance, representing the profound connection between humans and nature.
The Forest Minister stated that through the Aravali Green Wall Project, Haryana is committed to collaborating with all states that share the Aravali, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
Successful projects like the Gurugram Aravali Biodiversity Park exemplify effective ecosystem restoration and have been recognized as India's first OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure), aligning with IUCN's global standards.
Rao Narbir Singh welcomed the Supreme Court's new definition of the Aravali mountain range and mentioned that the government has drafted a proposal to conserve nearly 90 percent of the Aravali area.
The government's objectives include creating green jobs, enhancing public engagement, and bolstering biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management in the Aravali region.