Miyawaki plantation technique To combat urban heatisland effects, pollution

 

 

THE Manendragarh Forest Division has taken a significant step toward combating urban heat island effects and pollution by creating a mini forest using the Miyawaki plantation technique. On August 17, a Van Mahotsav event was held at the District MCB Collector Office, where Cabinet Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal inaugurated the initiative by planting trees using the Miyawaki method. The Miyawaki technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, is renowned for its ability to create dense urban forests in a short period. Local wild plants are planted in close proximity, at a distance of one metre, which leads to increased competition among the plants and results in rapid growth. This method allows plants to grow ten times faster than traditional plantation techniques, forming a mini forest within just two to three years. One of the key advantages of Miyawaki plantations is their ability to absorb 30 times more carbon dioxide, thereby contributing significantly to reducing air and noise pollution. Additionally, these mini forests help mitigate the urban heat island effect by cooling the environment.

 

The Forest Department’s decision to employ this method in Manendragarh is particularly timely, as the city experienced an intense heat wave this year. Divisional Forest Officer Manish Kashyap highlighted the benefits of the Miyawaki method during the Van Mahotsav. He emphasised that this approach is not only suitable for large metro cities but can also be applied to small spaces, such as backyards, to develop them into gardens or mini forests. The goal is to transform vacant areas throughout the district into lush green spaces that can provide much-needed relief from heat waves and improve the overall environment During the event, five Miyawaki plantations were established in the Manendragarh Forest Division. Moving forward, the Forest Department plans to expand this initiative by planting Miyawaki forests in all suitable vacant areas within the city. This effort marks a significant contribution to environmental conservation and urban sustainability in the region