On 21st May, 2025, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a national workshop in Udaipur, Rajasthan, to unveil a Detailed Action Plan for the restoration of the Aravalli Hill Range, India’s oldest mountain range. The event, organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Rajasthan Forest Department, marked a significant step towards reviving the Aravalli ecosystem.
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Whole of Government and Society Approach
Collaborative Restoration Strategy
Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasized the need for a ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach to restore the Aravallis, involving stakeholders across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. He highlighted the Aravalli Green Wall Project, which aims to increase green cover, enhance biodiversity, and improve soil fertility and water availability through afforestation, reforestation, and water body restoration. This initiative also seeks to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Key Features of the Action Plan
Five Pillars of Restoration
The Detailed Action Plan is a science-based, community-led, and policy-supported roadmap built on five pillars:
- Ecological Restoration: Promoting assisted natural regeneration, native species plantation, and soil and moisture conservation.
- Community Participation: Engaging women and youth in planning and implementation.
- Policy and Governance: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring scheme convergence.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Promoting eco-tourism, agroforestry, and non-timber forest produce (NTFP) enterprises.
- Research and Innovation: Utilizing GIS-based mapping and remote sensing for restoration ecology.
Innovative Approaches and Initiatives
Technological and Community Interventions
The workshop outlined several innovative strategies to ensure the success of the Aravalli restoration, including:
- Establishing seedling nurseries in every panchayat using MNREGA and CAMPA funds.
- Involving MY Bharat volunteers and Eco-clubs in eco-restoration and awareness campaigns.
- Implementing the Green Credit Programme for eco-restoration activities.
- Restoring abandoned mines as wildlife habitats and water sources.
- Developing safari parks, nature trails, and trekking routes to promote eco-tourism.
These measures aim to balance ecological restoration with economic benefits for local communities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | 21st May, 2025 |
| Location | Udaipur, Rajasthan |
| Key Initiative | Aravalli Landscape Restoration Action Plan |
| Pillars | Ecological restoration, community participation, policy, livelihoods, research |
| Stakeholders | Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Delhi, GIZ-India, BSI, ZSI |
Significance of Aravalli Restoration
Environmental and Economic Impact
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a critical initiative to restore the ecological integrity of the Aravalli Hill Range, which spans four states and supports diverse biodiversity. By addressing challenges like deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity, the project enhances climate resilience and promotes sustainable development. The involvement of local communities, civil society, and scientific institutions ensures a holistic approach to this restoration effort.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, or State PSC, the Aravalli restoration initiative is a vital topic under environmental conservation, biodiversity, and current affairs. Aspirants should focus on:
- The Aravalli Green Wall Project and its role in ecological restoration.
- The five pillars of the Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli restoration.
- The importance of community participation and innovative technologies in environmental projects.
- The concept of Whole of Government and Whole of Society approaches in policy implementation.
This initiative highlights India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community-driven conservation.
Key Highlights
- Shri Bhupender Yadav unveiled the Aravalli Landscape Restoration Action Plan on 21st May, 2025 in Udaipur.
- The plan is based on five pillars, including ecological restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
- Innovative measures include seedling nurseries, eco-tourism, and Green Credit Programme.
- Stakeholders from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi urged to adopt a Whole of Society approach.
- Relevant for competitive exams under environmental conservation, biodiversity, and current affairs.