The Centre on Thursday unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the ecological restoration and sustainable development of the Aravalli range in the Gurugram region.
The estimated cost, commencement date for the study has not been announced yet. The announcement was made by Union environment, forest and climate change minister Bhupender Yadav following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union minister Manohar Lal and attended by Haryana environment minister Rao Narbir Singh. “ICFRE has been tasked with studying the hydrology and flora of the region. Haryana Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to protect the Aravallis while balancing the ecological needs with Gurugram’s rapid urbanisation. The review also covered preparations to tackle winter air pollution in the NCR.
The government plans to plant indigenous species on nearly 10,000 acres of land notified as forest in the Aravalli ranges by the Haryana government, according to the plan. Yadav said native species such as dhak, ber, baheda, neem, peepal and banyan, along with more than 25 varieties of local grasses, would form an important part of the plantation and restoration programme.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with undertaking a detailed study of the region’s hydrology and flora, according to the plan. This also involves identifying our native vegetation,” Yadav said, adding that a proposal for the hydrological study has been outlined with ICFRE. Yadav said a meeting with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had been held and measures were being pursued to address vehicular emissions, dust pollution, solid waste and greening.
