Govt starts soil devpt in Aravalli dists to restore ecology, combat desertification
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Jaipur: In a major push for ecological restoration and desertification control, the Rajasthan govt began soil development works across 3,700 hectares in 19 districts along the Aravali range under the Aravali Green Development Project.
With an allocation of Rs 250 crore over five years, the project comprises one year of plantation followed by one year of maintenance. Rajasthan is the first among the four Aravali states — Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat — to roll out this initiative on a large scale.
The project aims to restore the deteriorating Aravali ecosystem and prevent the advancement of sandstorms from the Thar Desert into the National Capital Region (NCR), a phenomenon that intensified due to land degradation and deforestation.
"This is not just a plantation drive; it's an ecological defence mechanism for North India," said a senior official from the state department of environment. "By restoring green cover in Aravalis, we are building a natural shield against desertification, dust storms, and soil erosion.
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Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Aravali Green Wall Project, the initiative will be followed by a massive plantation in the coming years along the Aravali hills from Delhi to Ahmedabad.
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In Rajasthan, the govt is using indigenous and climate-resilient species. Among those selected are Khejri — the state tree of Rajasthan known for its deep roots and drought resistance — along with Babool, Dhak, Neem, and Ber.
Native grasses like Sevan and Dhaman will be used for soil stabilisation in areas with water scarcity.
"These species are selected not only for their adaptability to varied climates — from Sikar's dry zones to the humid areas of Dungarpur and Sirohi — but also for their role in supporting biodiversity and improving groundwater recharge," the official added.
The project spans from Alwar to Sirohi, covering approximately 550 kilometre out of 685km — nearly 80% of the Aravali range in Rajasthan. The plantation will be limited to forest land, excluding areas with human habitation or encroachments.
"The focus is on long-term sustainability. We will skip over degraded or settled lands and concentrate on forest tracts that can be revived effectively," said the official. The project is being carried out under the supervision of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which will also monitor outcomes through indicators such as flora and fauna recovery, groundwater level changes, and microclimatic shifts.
"This is the largest ecological restoration effort ever undertaken in the Aravalis," said L.K. Sharma, Head of the Department of Environmental Studies at Central University of Rajasthan. "However, the real test will be in sustaining the plantations. In arid zones like Jaipur and Sikar, saplings often survive only six months without proper care. Maintenance is critical to achieving any meaningful ecological impact.
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