The Miyawaki Technique: A Revolutionary Afforestation Model at Mahakumbh 2025

Introduction – What is Miyawaki forest

The Miyawaki technique, a revolutionary afforestation method developed in Japan, offers a rapid and effective way to transform barren land into thriving forests. In 2025, this method took centre stage at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India—one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Confronted with environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation, organisers adopted the Miyawaki approach to quickly establish lush green spaces, enhancing both the ecological and cultural landscape of the event. This essay explores how this technique works, its application at the Mahakumbh, and its potential to reshape urban ecology.

what is miyawaki method

The Miyawaki Method is a technique for growing dense, native forests quickly. It was developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki and is widely used for afforestation and reforestation projects worldwide.

Origins and Principles of the Miyawaki Technique

The Miyawaki technique was developed in the 1970s by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. He was inspired by ancient shrine forests in Japan, known as “Chinju no Mori”, which had remained undisturbed for centuries and served as models of natural ecosystems. Miyawaki’s method sought to replicate such forests in urban and degraded landscapes, accelerating their growth and increasing biodiversity.

The technique is based on several core principles. First, only native tree species are used, ensuring that the forest aligns with the local climate and ecosystem. Second, the soil is enriched with organic matter, such as compost, to create optimal growing conditions. Third, the saplings are planted densely—three to five per square metre—to encourage competition and rapid upward growth. Finally, a layer of mulch is added to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Within just two to three years, these forests become self-sustaining, achieving a maturity that would otherwise take decades or even centuries.

Environmental Benefits of Miyawaki Forests

Miyawaki forests offer a range of ecological advantages. They grow up to ten times faster than conventional plantations, reaching maturity in 20–30 years instead of the usual 100 years for natural forests. The dense vegetation supports high biodiversity, providing habitats for insects, birds, and small animals. These forests also improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide, making them effective tools for climate change mitigation. Furthermore, their thick canopy reduces urban heat island effects, lowering temperatures in cities by 4–7°C. In areas prone to soil erosion, Miyawaki forests stabilise the land and enhance groundwater retention.

The method has been successfully implemented in cities across the world, including Mumbai and Chennai in India, as well as urban centres in Europe and Southeast Asia. Given their compact size and rapid growth, Miyawaki forests are particularly effective in urban spaces such as schoolyards, roadside strips, and public parks.

The Mahakumbh Mela: An Environmental Challenge

The Mahakumbh Mela, held every twelve years in Prayagraj, attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims who gather at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. The scale of the event creates significant environmental challenges, including increased air and water pollution, deforestation for temporary infrastructure, and waste generation. The 2025 Mahakumbh aimed to address these concerns through sustainable initiatives, one of which was the large-scale implementation of the Miyawaki technique.

Implementation of Miyawaki Forest in india at the 2025 Mahakumbh

Months before the Mahakumbh began, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with environmental organisations, identified suitable locations for Miyawaki plantations. These included riverbanks, pilgrimage routes, and areas suffering from soil erosion. Soil tests were conducted to determine necessary organic amendments, and nurseries prepared thousands of native saplings.

The planting process was carried out in multiple phases. Volunteers, including local residents, students, and pilgrims, participated in mass planting drives, ensuring community involvement. Over 50,000 saplings of 20 native species were planted across 15 sites, transforming barren land into vibrant green spaces. The most significant plantation occurred in the Naini industrial area, where approximately 120,000 trees of 63 species were introduced.

The diverse selection of tree species included neem, peepal, banyan, amla, teak, arjuna, and tamarind, each chosen for its ecological and cultural significance. Neem, for instance, has medicinal properties and acts as a natural air purifier, while peepal and banyan are revered in Hindu traditions. The inclusion of fruit-bearing trees such as mango and jamun further enhanced the forests’ biodiversity.

Immediate Benefits and Long-Term Impact

By the time the Mahakumbh began, the Miyawaki forests had already grown to an average height of 8–10 feet, providing shade and improving air quality for the millions of visitors. The dense vegetation significantly reduced the temperature in surrounding areas, offering relief from the summer heat. Additionally, the forests helped stabilise riverbanks, preventing erosion and reducing sedimentation in the Ganges and Yamuna.

Another notable impact was the return of wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and small mammals that had disappeared due to urbanisation began reappearing in the newly established green zones. This increase in biodiversity demonstrated the effectiveness of the Miyawaki method in restoring degraded ecosystems.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite its many advantages, the Miyawaki initiative at the Mahakumbh faced several challenges. One of the primary concerns was the initial cost of implementation. Soil preparation, sapling procurement, and maintenance required significant investment. To address this, the organisers sought corporate sponsorships and crowdfunding, successfully raising funds for the project.

Water availability was another challenge, particularly in the early stages of the forests’ growth. Frequent watering was necessary to support young saplings, but Prayagraj’s limited water resources posed a constraint. The solution came in the form of rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, which optimised water use and minimised waste.

Public scepticism also presented a hurdle. Many locals were unfamiliar with the Miyawaki technique and doubted its effectiveness. To counter this, environmental groups conducted workshops and awareness campaigns, showcasing successful Miyawaki forests in other Indian cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The Miyawaki Model for Future Events

The success of the Miyawaki forests at the 2025 Mahakumbh demonstrated that large-scale public events can integrate ecological restoration into their planning. The project provided a blueprint for other global events, such as the Olympics, World Cups, and international festivals, to incorporate afforestation efforts as part of their sustainability strategies.

Cities hosting major gatherings can learn from Prayagraj’s experience by prioritising green infrastructure, engaging local communities, and securing funding for long-term ecological projects. By doing so, they can ensure that such events leave a positive environmental legacy rather than causing harm to natural ecosystems.

Conclusion

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