Minister Rao Narbir Singh : The Aravalli, Haryana’s oldest mountain range, stands as a symbol of pride for the state.
Haryana’s Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, emphasized the significance of the Aravalli Mountain range, the oldest of its kind, as a proud symbol for the state. Covering over 1.15 million hectares across Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana, the range is vital to the region’s environmental balance. To further support sustainability, the Mission LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, launched by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, alongside the program, marks an important step. In alignment with these efforts, Haryana has outlined the Aravalli Green Wall Project, inspired by similar projects in Saudi Arabia, to increase greenery in the region. The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Sh Bhupender Yadav, is set to inaugurate the project on February 6, 2025.
Rao Narbir Singh noted that despite being a desert country, Saudi Arabia has successfully expanded its greenery through the creation of green belts. This accomplishment inspired the Indian government to assign Haryana the responsibility of developing the Aravalli Green Wall Project. The Minister shared that he personally visited Saudi Arabia to observe their Green Wall Project. Additionally, he will embark on a four-day study tour, starting February 7, to explore the Gorewada Wildlife Safari in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and the Vantara Project in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project aims to improve over 1.15 million hectares of land across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, creating a model of multi-state cooperation. The project will focus on afforestation using indigenous forest species, promoting biodiversity conservation, improving soil health, and enhancing groundwater recharge.
The Minister also highlighted the promotion of eco-tourism through a Jungle Safari initiative in the Aravalli region. Recently, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini delegated the responsibility for the Jungle Safari Project to the Forest and Wildlife Department, shifting it from the Tourism Department. To gain insight into this project, Rao Narbir Singh will visit Maharashtra and Gujarat with department officials.
This initiative will provide green employment opportunities for local communities in the Aravalli region, while supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. The state has appointed Van Mitras to raise awareness among younger generations about environmental initiatives and improve their livelihoods. These Van Mitras are playing a crucial role in connecting local communities with forests.