Which of the following describes the fundamental objective of the Aravalli Green Wall initiative?

The correct option is Restoration of degraded land and ecosystems.

Understanding the Aravalli Green Wall Initiative:
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a major environmental initiative launched in India aimed at combating land degradation and desertification. Inspired by Africa's Great Green Wall, the project seeks to create a 1,400 km long and 5 km wide ecological buffer corridor around the Aravalli mountain range covering Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.

Key Objectives of the Initiative:
1. Restoration of Degraded Land: The fundamental objective of this project is the ecological restoration of degraded forest land and damaged ecosystems in and around the Aravallis.
2. Halting Desert Expansion: It creates a green barrier to prevent the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert and protects fertile plains from wind erosion and desertification.
3. Water Recharge & Biodiversity: Through systematic afforestation using native tree species, it helps rejuvenate groundwater tables, restore soil fertility, and support local biodiversity.

Evaluation of Other Options:
• Exclusively developing city forests: While urban forestry is a green initiative, the Green Wall is a comprehensive landscape-level restoration project, not limited strictly to city forests.
• Coastal mangal plantation: Mangrove plantations (such as under the MISHTI initiative) focus on coastal intertidal zones, whereas the Aravallis form an ancient inland mountain range.
• Arid region canal irrigation: Canal irrigation involves water distribution infrastructure (like the Indira Gandhi Canal Project), whereas the Aravalli Green Wall centers on eco-restoration and afforestation.