India Pledges Protection Of Aravallis, Highlights Green Wall Project
NEW DELHI – Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the Aravalli Range during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on March 10, emphasizing conservation efforts and ecological restoration across the region.
Responding to questions about the condition of the Aravallis and recent judicial observations, Yadav said the government remains fully committed to safeguarding the fragile mountain ecosystem. He noted that the Supreme Court of India had positively acknowledged the ministry’s Green Aravalli Project in a recent judgment, recognizing the initiative while urging continued vigilance in protecting the range.
According to Yadav, the court’s decision highlighted the importance of sustained conservation work and recommended additional oversight measures. He said the government is open to cooperating fully with the court, including its suggestion to establish a High Power Committee to monitor conservation activities in the region.
The minister pointed to the Aravalli Green Wall Project as a key initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening the ecological resilience of the mountain range. The program is being implemented across 29 districts connected to the Aravallis, with the goal of protecting the broader ecological belt through afforestation, soil conservation, and habitat restoration.
Environmental concerns in other regions were also discussed. Yadav said issues relating to ecological impacts in the Nicobar Islands had recently been raised before the National Green Tribunal. He stated that the government has submitted detailed responses addressing environmental safeguards and regulatory compliance.
Emphasizing the broader significance of environmental protection, Yadav described nature as a priceless national heritage and said preserving ecosystems must remain a collective responsibility. He added that while India continues to pursue industrial and economic development, it must do so in compliance with environmental laws and sustainability standards.
The minister also referred to national initiatives aimed at encouraging public participation in environmental conservation. These include the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree planting campaign and the Mission LiFE movement promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote environmentally responsible lifestyles.
Yadav said the government’s environmental approach is guided by the principle “Prakriti Rakshati Rakshitah,” meaning that protecting nature ultimately protects humanity. He stressed that maintaining a balance between ecological conservation and economic growth remains central to India’s environmental policy.
