Mains Daily Question
Oct. 19, 2023
Q1. The Aravalli Green Wall project has been proposed as a nature-based solution to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity in the region. Highlight the potential ecological, economic, and social benefits of this project, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its success.(10M, 150W).
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: The question has two main headings: 1) Potential ecological, economic and social benefits of the project and 2) Challenges that need to be addressed. Additionally, provide a way forward for a comprehensive answer. Introduction: Type 1: State the aim of the project. Also mention the challenges ahead. Type 2: Write the objective of the project and provide data to show the utility of the project. Body: Heading 1: Potential ecological, economic and social benefits of the project: Enlist various benefits that will arise out of this project. Heading 2: Challenges that need to be addressed: Enlist potential issues that can hurt the objectives of the project. For value addition, use institutional data and a way forward. Conclusion: Give a forward-looking conclusion – Type 1: State the significance of the project in combating desertification and land degradation and ensuring a greener future. Type 2: Suggestive steps in the way forward could be written as a conclusion. |
Answer: According to ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, around 30% of the country’s land underwent land degradation in 2018-19. Aravalli Green Wall project aims to “green” a 5 km buffer region around the Aravalli hill range in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi through afforestation and by restoring water bodies.
Potential ecological, economic and social benefits of the project
Ecological benefits:
- Carbon Sequestration by restoring vegetation cover, helping India achieve its INDCs to create 2.5-3 Gt of CO2 sink.
- Water conservation as enhanced vegetation cover would improve water retention and groundwater recharge
- Biodiversity conservation by connecting fragmented ecosystems and serving as habitat corridor for wildlife
Economic benefits:
- Ecosystem services via afforestation, agro-forestry and water conservation to promote sustainable livelihood options.
- Tourism and related employment opportunities for the local communities would be promoted by enhanced greenery in the region.
Social benefits:
- Improved health and well-being of the local communities through enhanced green spaces, giving way for recreation and stress reduction.
- Cultural and spiritual values of the local communities like traditional knowledge, cultural practices, etc., would be preserved.
Challenges that need to be addressed
- Problem of illegal mining is the biggest concern that has led to the destruction of the Aravalli Mountain system.
- Land use conflicts would arise because of increasing population pressure and demand for agricultural land, urbanisation and development projects.
- Financing this long-term project would be an issue as it requires effective budgetary support and private participation.
- Vulnerability to climate change would affect the survival of trees and shrubs planted under the project.
Way forward
- Curbing the illegal mining through strict regulations and inter-state cooperation
- Empowering local communities in decision-making processes, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing.
- Establishing robust monitoring for adaptive management.
- Bringing in innovative solutions for project implementation.
- Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to minimize conflicts
Implementing nature-based solutions like the Aravalli Green Wall project is crucial for a sustainable future, as it addresses climate change, protects biodiversity and fosters community resilience, paving the way for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
