Why in the News?

On June 5, World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

PM to launch Aravalli Green Wall Project

About the Aravallis:

Geology: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, formed during the Proterozoic era.
Spread: It stretches for about 692 km, from Gujarat to Delhi, passing through Rajasthan and Haryana.
State-Wise Coverage: Around 80% of the range lies in Rajasthan, with the rest spread across Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Highest Peak: The tallest point is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, with an elevation of 1,722 meters.
Natural Barrier Function: Acts as a green wall, preventing the spread of the Thar Desert into eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic plains.
River Origins: Important rivers such as the Banas, Sahibi and Luni originate from the Aravallis.
Minerals: Rich in minerals like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
Biodiversity: Home to 300+ bird species and key wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, wolves, civets, and Nilgai.
Prehistoric Significance: Contains cave art and tools from the Lower Palaeolithic period.

Project Goal: To build a green corridor from Delhi to Gujarat combating desertification and ecological degradation.
States Involved: Includes Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, focusing on restoring degraded landscapes.
Vegetation Strategy: Focus on removing Prosopis juliflora (invasive species) and planting native trees like:
- Khair (Indian Gum Arabic)
- Ronjh (White-barked Acacia)
- Dhau (Axlewood)
- Salai (Indian Frankincense)
- Pilkhan, Neem, Amaltas, Goolar, Peepal
Buffer Zone Creation: A 6.45 million hectare buffer zone will be established around the Aravallis.
Phase 1 Focus:
- Delhi: 3,010 ha in South Delhi
- Haryana: 25,000 ha in Gurugram, Faridabad, Mahendragarh
Global Commitments supported:
- Paris Agreement: Target to create 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ sink
- Bonn Challenge: Restore 26 million hectares of land by 2030

[UPSC 2001] The approximate age of the Aravallis range is.

Options: (a) 370 million years (b) 470 million years (c) 570 million years* (d) 670 million years