1,424cr plan to revive Aravallis

Gandhinagar: Gujarat govt has proposed a Rs 1,424 crore action plan for ‘Forest Cover and Biodiversity Conservation and Eco Restoration of Aravallis' through a community-based approach across six districts. The state has sent the proposal to the Union govt, seeking special assistance for its implementation as it intends to finance the restoration through central govt grants and its own resources. Initial steps of the plan involve damage assessment, followed by targeted restoration initiatives.
The Aravalli mountains in North Gujarat have been adversely impacted by years of neglect which has been compounded by illicit mining, swift urbanisation, pollution, clearance of forests and mountains for agriculture and other activities. While minimal attempts have been made so far to safeguard the mountain range, one of the world's oldest, the state govt has now formulated a comprehensive strategy for restoration and conservation in the region, sources said.
"The Aravalli mountains are spread over six districts and the forest cover in the region has deteriorated considerably over the past years. There is a need to replenish the forest cover through a comprehensive restoration project that will include watershed development, livelihood support and enhanced productivity of this crucial ecosystem," a senior official connected with the development, said.
As part of the restoration scheme, the govt intends to set up joint forest committees with the participation of govt agencies and local population. "Extensive afforestation measures will be a major component of the action plan. A dense forest cover will serve as a green barrier against mountain erosion and degradation," official sources said. Preserving forests is vital for climate change mitigation, soil erosion prevention, and natural resource sustainability, they said, adding, "Through sustainable forest management practices, reduced deforestation, and biodiversity protection, the govt of Gujarat aims to enhance and develop the state's ecological zones."
The Aravallis, India's oldest mountain range, extend from Haryana through Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The range harbours diverse flora and fauna along with rich mineral deposits. Unlawful mining and encroachment have inflicted lasting damage, demanding immediate intervention from the govt, the sources said.