The Aravallis are the world’s oldest fold mountains, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat. Older than the Himalayas, this ancient range is rich in minerals and biodiversity, with numerous peaks, slopes, and valleys that create a perfect habitat for a wide variety of living organisms. The name Aravalli literally means “line of peaks” in Sanskrit.
Nestled at the tri-junction of Delhi, Faridabad, and Gurgaon lies the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. An important forest patch amid the chaotic, fast-paced National Capital Region. This sanctuary is home to over 10 varieties of neem, leopards, porcupines, hares, hyenas, jackals, vultures, nilgai, scorpion and numerous bird species, making it a hidden treasure in the midst of the concrete jungle.
With the ever-growing need for construction materials and development, there has been a significant demand for earth minerals. This parcel of land was extensively exploited between the 1960s and 1990s for various minerals, transforming what was once an ecologically rich area into a barren and devastated landscape.
Mining across these fold mountains left behind deep crevices scattered throughout the terrain, severely disrupting the natural topography and hydrology. Several wild streams were redirected, causing rivers and water bodies downhill to dry up. These abandoned mines also became deadly traps for the wildlife that inhabit the region. The extensive mining activity drastically reduced the green cover and degraded the overall quality of life for the local flora and fauna.
E.F.I, in collaboration with the Indian Army and the Forest Department,
launched the EFI’s हराValley initiative – a large-scale reforestation effort
to revive this degraded landscape and restore it into a thriving forest.
E.F.I.’s हराValley
EFI’s हराValley is an initiative to increase the green cover in this ecologically rich landscape by planting over 41,500 native tree saplings and nurturing them to grow into the forest that once thrived here. This effort is aimed at significantly enhancing the green cover while helping to combat rising temperatures and the alarming air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
In collaboration with the Indian Army, the Forest Department, multiple corporate partners and volunteers we are planting thousands of berry-bearing, nectar-bearing, and fruit-bearing saplings across five designated patches inside the sanctuary. To ensure the survival of these saplings, solar-powered borewells have been installed at multiple locations. These borewells are supported by
ponds we are establishing, which serve as sustainable water sources to nourish the growing plants.
So far, five patches have been planted across the area:
- Patch 1 – 5,500 saplings
- Patch 2 – 12,500 saplings
- Patch 3 – 5,500 saplings
- Patch 4 – 12,500 saplings
- Patch 5 – 5,500 saplings
All patches are being planted exclusively with native species that are berry-bearing, nectar-bearing,
and fruit-bearing, which support biodiversity and long-term ecological restoration.
These efforts aim to establish a green corridor that not only increases tree cover but also helps reduce the urban heat island effect in the rapidly growing tri-city region of Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Additionally, this initiative ensures that these land parcels are protected from turning into dump yards, enhances air quality, and creates a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife in the region.
Read more
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I