GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1021
TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.02.2025
Aravali Green Wall Project
1021. SMT. KIRAN CHOUDHRY:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the manner in which the Aravali Green Wall Project will contribute in combating land degradation and desertification;
(b) the projects undertaken and their current status under the Aravali Green Wall Project with special reference to Haryana;
(c) whether it is a fact that 66 water bodies would be developed in various districts of Haryana including Bhiwani; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)& (b) The Ministry announced the Aravalli Green Wall project to restore the Aravallis landscape through various initiatives like afforestation with native tree species, water conservation measures, natural resources protection, single-use plastic ban etc, to green the 5km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Part of Delhi NCR. The overall objectives of the initiative is to improve the ecological health of the Aravalli range and to prevent eastward expansion of Thar Desert and to reduce land degradation by creating green barriers that will prevent soil erosion, desertification and dust storms. This initiative will also lead to carbon sequestration, help mitigate climate change, promote the sustainable development and enhance livelihood opportunities by involving local communities in afforestation, agro-forestry and water conservation activities that will ultimately generate income, employment, food securityand social benefits.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for taking up restoration activities in Aravalli range in consultation with the State Forest Department, civil society groups, local communities and relevant private sector has been prepared. This initiative is complemented by the regular afforestation programme of State Govt. and Compensatory Afforestation against forest land diversion for the non-forest purposes.

(c) & (d) The Haryana State Forest Department has identified 66 water bodies in six districts of Aravalli hill range for restoration. The district wise details (including Bhiwani) of identified water bodies are detailed below:

The villages wherein the five ponds/waterbodies have been identified in Bhiwani district are Nigana, Riwasa, Dulheri, Dharan and Tosham.