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Maha Kumbh and Miyawaki Forests
Context:
The 45-day Maha Kumbh festival, which concluded on February 26, witnessed an unprecedented footfall of over 66 crore people in Prayagraj, as per government data.
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- As part of the city’s beautification and environmental initiatives, the Uttar Pradesh government employed the Miyawaki afforestation technique to develop “oxygen banks” and enhance urban green cover.
- According to a press release from the Ministry of Culture, the Prayagraj administration utilised the Miyawaki technique to cover 56,000 square meters of land across the city.
- Previously applied in cities such as Mumbai and Chennai, as well as internationally, this afforestation method has gained traction for its effectiveness in creating dense, self-sustaining forests in urban areas..
Understanding the Miyawaki Technique
- Developed in the 1970s by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this afforestation method aims to restore native forests lost due to urbanisation.
- Miyawaki drew inspiration from Japan’s ancient sacred shrine forests, known as “Chinju no Mori,” which were traditionally planted around Shinto shrines.
- Observing their multi-layered vegetation of indigenous species, he devised a strategy to replicate natural ecosystems in small, controlled environments.
How the Miyawaki Method Works
- The Miyawaki approach involves planting a high density of native species in a small area to create a fast-growing forest ecosystem.
- The soil is conditioned to match the natural habitat of the selected plants, ensuring optimal growth.
- Saplings are planted at a density of three to five plants per square meter, and instead of being arranged in neat rows, they are randomly positioned to mimic natural forests.
- Due to the close proximity of the plants, they compete for sunlight, prompting rapid vertical growth.
- Unlike traditional forests, which may take decades to mature, Miyawaki forests reach full growth within three years.
Advantages
- Urban Suitability: One of the primary benefits of this technique is its suitability for urban settings, where space is often limited.
- Minimal Maintenance: Once established, Miyawaki forests require minimal maintenance, as the plants become self-sustaining and do not need regular watering or fertilisation.
- Carbon Absorption: These dense green spaces play a crucial role in carbon absorption and climate regulation.
- The newly developed forests in Prayagraj include species such as mango, mahua, neem, peepal, tamarind, arjuna, teak, tulsi, amla, and ber.
- Additionally, these forests help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing local temperatures through transpiration and providing shade in highly concretised environments.
Challenges
- Investment: The initial setup requires substantial financial investment and manpower to ensure plant survival in confined spaces.
- Caution: Furthermore, conservationists caution against viewing Miyawaki forests as a comprehensive solution to deforestation and environmental degradation.
