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Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Govt starts soil devpt in Aravalli dists to restore ecology, combat desertification
1 2 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. " 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pierce Brosnan's Wife Lost 120 Pounds - This Is Her Now Undo 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. " Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
PMAY scheme: Tech snag forces 80-year-old widow to live under tree in Madhya Pradesh; 'They asked me to raze house so it won't appear during site visit'
MHOW: No typhoon has blown the roof over Gaura Bai's head. The storm lurked in a software glitch of PMAY, the govt scheme supposed to provide the MP octogenarian widow a house. The snag remains unresolved, forcing Gaura to live under a Babool tree along with her widowed daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a village in Dhar district for the last 10 months. The trouble began when Gaura was informed by officials that she would get a house under PM Awas Yojna (PMAY) but must demolish her mud house to secure the benefit. "They asked me to demolish my house so that during a site inspection, no house is seen at the place," Gaura said. Officials claim the system is not processing her application any further. 80-year-old razed mud house hoping to get pucca one soon The 80-year-old razed her mud house in Lohari village of Kukshi tehsil in Sept 2024 on the directives of officials, hoping to get a pucca house soon. Since then, days, weeks and months have passed as Gaura, daughter-in-law Radha Bai and her three children brave winter, summer and now, monsoon, under open sky. 'One day the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told me that my house was sanctioned. Taking them seriously, I razed the house. When I contacted officials for sanctioning money, they told me the process would take a few days. Days have turned into months under this tree but the promised money is yet to come,' Gaura said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Sarpanch Amar Singh Waskel pleaded helplessness. 'After her name was reflected in the list of beneficiaries, we informed her. When her application was processed based on her job card, the online application did not move forward. Nothing can be done at the village level. She will have to go to the collector's office,' Amar said. Janpad panchayat CEO of Nisarpur block, Kanchan Waskel, explained, 'When her application is logged in, the system shows an error. I have directed staff to check and find a solution,' Kanchan said. Asked about the matter, Dhar collector Priyank Mishra offered hope. 'I was not aware of the issue. Since the matter has now come to my notice, I will get it examined on priority,' Mishra said.
