The Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP) is being showcased at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time that Saudi Arabia is hosting this significant event. The conference offers a platform for international cooperation on sustainable land management, and the presentation of AGWP highlights India's efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a major initiative by India aimed at restoring degraded land along the Aravalli Hill Range. The project is designed to create a "green wall" that spans across four states in northwestern India: Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. The primary objective is to restore approximately 1.15 million hectares of degraded land, addressing the issue of land degradation, desertification, and drought.
Area of Coverage:
The project focuses on a 5 km buffer zone around the Aravalli Hill Range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India.
It aims to restore degraded land in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering an area of 1.15 million hectares.
National Goals:
The AGWP is part of India’s broader goal to enhance its carbon sink by 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. This aligns with India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change.
Broader Environmental Impact:
Biodiversity Conservation: The project will contribute to enhancing biodiversity by integrating indigenous species afforestation.
Land Restoration: It will combat desertification and land degradation, creating healthier and more resilient ecosystems.
Water Management: Advanced water management strategies will be implemented to restore and sustain the ecological balance.
International Commitments:
The AGWP plays a significant role in fulfilling India's obligations under various international conventions:
UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification): The project supports efforts to mitigate desertification and land degradation.
CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity): By promoting biodiversity conservation, it helps preserve diverse ecosystems.
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change): The project aligns with India’s climate change mitigation strategies, particularly in reducing carbon emissions through improved land management.
Combating Desertification: The Aravalli region has been facing significant land degradation, primarily due to overgrazing, deforestation, and urbanization. The project seeks to restore soil health and prevent further degradation.
Land Restoration: The project aims to rehabilitate over a million hectares of degraded land, which will involve afforestation, soil conservation, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Drought Resilience: The restoration will help build resilience to droughts by improving water retention, reducing surface run-off, and enhancing groundwater recharge.
Afforestation: The AGWP emphasizes planting native species of trees and shrubs that are suited to the local ecosystem, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the region.
Water Management: Incorporating advanced water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and efficient irrigation practices, is integral to the project’s success.
Environmental: The AGWP is crucial in combating the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly desertification and land degradation. It supports the restoration of critical ecosystems, enhances water security, and improves the quality of soil.
Social and Economic: The restoration of degraded land can provide new opportunities for sustainable agriculture, thereby improving livelihoods for local communities. Additionally, the project may create employment opportunities related to afforestation, land restoration, and eco-tourism.
Global Impact: The project aligns with global environmental goals, contributing to international initiatives aimed at combating climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 15 (Life on Land).
About the Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and the oldest in India. It stretches across the northwestern region of India, covering parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. The Aravalli Range plays a significant role in the geography, ecology, and climate of this region, with considerable environmental, cultural, and economic importance.
Geological Significance:
Age: The Aravalli mountains are estimated to be about 3.2 billion years old, making them older than the Himalayas. They are remnants of a much larger mountain range that has eroded over millions of years.
Composition: The range consists primarily of gneiss, granite, and schist, which are some of the oldest rocks on Earth.
Geography:
The Aravalli Range extends in a southwest-northeast direction, covering about 800 kilometers from the city of Delhi in the north, through Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, to the Saraswati River in the south.
The highest peak of the Aravallis is Guru Shikhar, located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, which rises to a height of 1,722 meters (5,650 feet).
The range forms the natural barrier between the Thar Desert to the northwest and the fertile plains of Haryana and Rajasthan to the southeast.
Ecological Importance:
Biodiversity: The Aravalli Range is rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. The region has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as:
Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan)
Khejarla Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Mount Abu Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Flora: The range is home to several types of forests, ranging from tropical dry deciduous to semi-arid vegetation, with species like Acacia, Babul, Ber, Bamboo, and Salvadora.
Fauna: The Aravalli hills are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild boars, deer, monkeys, and various bird species.
Climate Regulation:
The Aravallis play a crucial role in regulating the climate of the surrounding regions. They block the cold northern winds in winter, moderating temperatures in the Rajasthan plains. In summer, they help catch moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, contributing to rainfall.
The range also has significant impact on local weather patterns, preventing desertification in areas further east and south.
Water Resources:
The Aravalli range is an important water source for the regions it spans. Several rivers, such as the Saraswati, Ghaggar, Sabarmati, and Luni, originate in or pass through the Aravallis.
The hills also help in rainwater harvesting and maintaining groundwater levels in the arid areas.
Human Settlements and Economy:
The Aravalli Range has been home to several ancient civilizations, and the region continues to support a dense population in cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Gurgaon, and Delhi.
Mining is an important economic activity in the region, with the extraction of marble, granite, and mica. However, mining has also led to significant environmental degradation in some areas.
Agriculture is practiced in the foothills, with crops like wheat, barley, cotton, maize, and mustard being cultivated in regions with sufficient water supply.
Environmental Challenges:
Desertification and Land Degradation: Overgrazing, deforestation, mining, and urbanization have led to soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification in many parts of the Aravallis.
Water Scarcity: The region faces water scarcity, particularly in the western parts of Rajasthan, due to the rapid depletion of groundwater levels.
Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as higher temperatures and reduced rainfall, have exacerbated the challenges of water management and ecosystem degradation.
Biodiversity Conservation: The Aravalli hills are a critical part of India’s ecological network. The ongoing environmental degradation in the range threatens the livelihoods of local communities and the natural resources they depend on.
Carbon Sequestration: The Aravallis, with their vegetation, play an important role in carbon sequestration. The Green Wall Project (AGWP), focusing on restoring degraded land in this region, aligns with India’s national and global climate goals, including reducing carbon emissions.
Cultural Significance: The Aravalli Range has historical significance, with ancient forts, temples, and cities located in the hills. It has been a strategic location for several rulers throughout Indian history, including the Rajputs.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is directly linked to the environmental conservation of the Aravalli Range. By restoring degraded land in the buffer areas around the Aravalli, the project aims to:
Prevent further desertification and land degradation.
Enhance biodiversity in the region through afforestation of native species.
Improve water retention and help in sustainable land management.
The AGWP also aligns with India’s international commitments, particularly under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP) is a landmark initiative in India's efforts to restore degraded landscapes and combat desertification. The project will not only help to reverse land degradation in the Aravalli region but also contribute to global climate and biodiversity goals. By integrating indigenous afforestation, water management, and sustainable practices, the AGWP holds the potential to be a model for similar land restoration projects worldwide. Through this initiative, India demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and its international responsibilities under global conventions.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP) is being showcased at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time that Saudi Arabia is hosting this significant event. The conference offers a platform for international cooperation on sustainable land management, and the presentation of AGWP highlights India's efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a major initiative by India aimed at restoring degraded land along the Aravalli Hill Range. The project is designed to create a "green wall" that spans across four states in northwestern India: Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. The primary objective is to restore approximately 1.15 million hectares of degraded land, addressing the issue of land degradation, desertification, and drought.
Area of Coverage:
The project focuses on a 5 km buffer zone around the Aravalli Hill Range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India.
It aims to restore degraded land in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, covering an area of 1.15 million hectares.
National Goals:
The AGWP is part of India’s broader goal to enhance its carbon sink by 2.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. This aligns with India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and addressing climate change.
Broader Environmental Impact:
Biodiversity Conservation: The project will contribute to enhancing biodiversity by integrating indigenous species afforestation.
Land Restoration: It will combat desertification and land degradation, creating healthier and more resilient ecosystems.
Water Management: Advanced water management strategies will be implemented to restore and sustain the ecological balance.
International Commitments:
The AGWP plays a significant role in fulfilling India's obligations under various international conventions:
UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification): The project supports efforts to mitigate desertification and land degradation.
CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity): By promoting biodiversity conservation, it helps preserve diverse ecosystems.
UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change): The project aligns with India’s climate change mitigation strategies, particularly in reducing carbon emissions through improved land management.
Combating Desertification: The Aravalli region has been facing significant land degradation, primarily due to overgrazing, deforestation, and urbanization. The project seeks to restore soil health and prevent further degradation.
Land Restoration: The project aims to rehabilitate over a million hectares of degraded land, which will involve afforestation, soil conservation, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Drought Resilience: The restoration will help build resilience to droughts by improving water retention, reducing surface run-off, and enhancing groundwater recharge.
Afforestation: The AGWP emphasizes planting native species of trees and shrubs that are suited to the local ecosystem, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the region.
Water Management: Incorporating advanced water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and efficient irrigation practices, is integral to the project’s success.
Environmental: The AGWP is crucial in combating the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly desertification and land degradation. It supports the restoration of critical ecosystems, enhances water security, and improves the quality of soil.
Social and Economic: The restoration of degraded land can provide new opportunities for sustainable agriculture, thereby improving livelihoods for local communities. Additionally, the project may create employment opportunities related to afforestation, land restoration, and eco-tourism.
Global Impact: The project aligns with global environmental goals, contributing to international initiatives aimed at combating climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 15 (Life on Land).
About the Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and the oldest in India. It stretches across the northwestern region of India, covering parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi. The Aravalli Range plays a significant role in the geography, ecology, and climate of this region, with considerable environmental, cultural, and economic importance.
Geological Significance:
Age: The Aravalli mountains are estimated to be about 3.2 billion years old, making them older than the Himalayas. They are remnants of a much larger mountain range that has eroded over millions of years.
Composition: The range consists primarily of gneiss, granite, and schist, which are some of the oldest rocks on Earth.
Geography:
The Aravalli Range extends in a southwest-northeast direction, covering about 800 kilometers from the city of Delhi in the north, through Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, to the Saraswati River in the south.
The highest peak of the Aravallis is Guru Shikhar, located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, which rises to a height of 1,722 meters (5,650 feet).
The range forms the natural barrier between the Thar Desert to the northwest and the fertile plains of Haryana and Rajasthan to the southeast.
Ecological Importance:
Biodiversity: The Aravalli Range is rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. The region has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as:
Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan)
Khejarla Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Mount Abu Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Flora: The range is home to several types of forests, ranging from tropical dry deciduous to semi-arid vegetation, with species like Acacia, Babul, Ber, Bamboo, and Salvadora.
Fauna: The Aravalli hills are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild boars, deer, monkeys, and various bird species.
Climate Regulation:
The Aravallis play a crucial role in regulating the climate of the surrounding regions. They block the cold northern winds in winter, moderating temperatures in the Rajasthan plains. In summer, they help catch moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, contributing to rainfall.
The range also has significant impact on local weather patterns, preventing desertification in areas further east and south.
Water Resources:
The Aravalli range is an important water source for the regions it spans. Several rivers, such as the Saraswati, Ghaggar, Sabarmati, and Luni, originate in or pass through the Aravallis.
The hills also help in rainwater harvesting and maintaining groundwater levels in the arid areas.
Human Settlements and Economy:
The Aravalli Range has been home to several ancient civilizations, and the region continues to support a dense population in cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Gurgaon, and Delhi.
Mining is an important economic activity in the region, with the extraction of marble, granite, and mica. However, mining has also led to significant environmental degradation in some areas.
Agriculture is practiced in the foothills, with crops like wheat, barley, cotton, maize, and mustard being cultivated in regions with sufficient water supply.
Environmental Challenges:
Desertification and Land Degradation: Overgrazing, deforestation, mining, and urbanization have led to soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification in many parts of the Aravallis.
Water Scarcity: The region faces water scarcity, particularly in the western parts of Rajasthan, due to the rapid depletion of groundwater levels.
Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as higher temperatures and reduced rainfall, have exacerbated the challenges of water management and ecosystem degradation.
Biodiversity Conservation: The Aravalli hills are a critical part of India’s ecological network. The ongoing environmental degradation in the range threatens the livelihoods of local communities and the natural resources they depend on.
Carbon Sequestration: The Aravallis, with their vegetation, play an important role in carbon sequestration. The Green Wall Project (AGWP), focusing on restoring degraded land in this region, aligns with India’s national and global climate goals, including reducing carbon emissions.
Cultural Significance: The Aravalli Range has historical significance, with ancient forts, temples, and cities located in the hills. It has been a strategic location for several rulers throughout Indian history, including the Rajputs.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is directly linked to the environmental conservation of the Aravalli Range. By restoring degraded land in the buffer areas around the Aravalli, the project aims to:
Prevent further desertification and land degradation.
Enhance biodiversity in the region through afforestation of native species.
Improve water retention and help in sustainable land management.
The AGWP also aligns with India’s international commitments, particularly under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Conclusion
The Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP) is a landmark initiative in India's efforts to restore degraded landscapes and combat desertification. The project will not only help to reverse land degradation in the Aravalli region but also contribute to global climate and biodiversity goals. By integrating indigenous afforestation, water management, and sustainable practices, the AGWP holds the potential to be a model for similar land restoration projects worldwide. Through this initiative, India demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and its international responsibilities under global conventions.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class