Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has launched an action plan for the landscape restoration of the Aravallis, a mountain range in India. The plan, released at a workshop in Udaipur, aims to restore the ecological integrity of the region through a science-based, community-led, and policy-supported approach. The action plan is built around five pillars: ecological restoration, community participation, policy and governance, effective monitoring, and sustainable livelihoods.
The ecological restoration pillar focuses on assisted natural regeneration, native species plantation, soil and moisture conservation, and other eco-friendly practices. The community participation pillar involves engaging local communities, especially women and youth, in planning and implementation. The policy and governance pillar aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks and converge schemes to support restoration efforts.
The effective monitoring pillar uses GIS-based mapping, remote sensing, and restoration ecology practices to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The sustainable livelihoods pillar promotes eco-tourism, agroforestry, and non-timber forest produce-based enterprises to generate income opportunities for local communities.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project, a key component of the action plan, aims to increase the green cover and biodiversity of the region through afforestation, reforestation, and restoration of water bodies. The project also seeks to improve soil fertility, water availability, and climate resilience, while generating meaningful livelihood opportunities.
The workshop, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to restore the Aravallis. Minister Yadav emphasized the need for developing Aravalli landscapes and biodiversity through safari, nature parks, and trekking, and removing invasive species to make way for native species and bamboo.
The action plan is a significant step towards restoring the ecological balance of the Aravallis, which is crucial for maintaining the region’s biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience. By engaging local communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the plan aims to create a win-win situation for both the environment and the people living in the region. Overall, the action plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for the restoration of the Aravallis, and its successful implementation is critical for the long-term sustainability of the region.