Aravallis to get Rs 50-crore lifesaver

In a bid to conserve the eco-fragile Aravalli and Shivalik ranges, the Haryana forest department has drafted an action plan and set aside a budget of Rs 150 crore.

In a bid to conserve the eco-fragile Aravalli and Shivalik ranges, the Haryana forest department has drafted an action plan and set aside a budget of Rs 150 crore.

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Out of this, Rs 50 crore will be spent to save the Aravallis that are spread across Rewari, Mohindergarh, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Mewat and Bhiwani.

Funds to the tune of R4.85 crore have been allocated to undertake soil and water conservation measures and create dams to check denudation of the hills in areas near Gurgaon.

In his budget speech, Forest minister Captain Ajay Singh announced a special project for the Aravalli region with a three year deadline till 2014.

The plan involves construction of water harvesting-cum-percolation dams and check dams, repair of old water harvesting dams, restoration, repair and renovation of village ponds and digging of contour trench and plantation.

A senior official in the forest department said, “The restoration of village ponds will enhance the availability of water to fulfil people's needs. The project activities will create awareness among people regarding importance of water conservation and management of common property resources.”