In News:

• Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has successfully transformed over 56,000 square meters of garbage dumps and barren lands into lush green forests using the Miyawaki Technique over the past two years, as part of environmental conservation efforts in preparation for Mahakumbh 2025.

About Miyawaki Technique:

• Origin: Developed by Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist, in the 1970s to create dense and fast-growing forests.
• Key Features:
  • Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, often using native species.
  • Accelerated Growth: Trees grow 10 times faster than in traditional forests.
  • Soil Restoration: Improves soil fertility and promotes natural regeneration.
  • Biodiversity Boost: Supports a variety of flora and fauna by mimicking natural ecosystems.
• Significance:
  • Urban Reforestation: Converts barren or polluted lands into green spaces.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    • Reduces air and water pollution.
    • Absorbs carbon and helps combat climate change.
    • Lowers temperatures by 4-7°C.
  • Sustainability: Prevents soil erosion and promotes long-term ecological balance.

Miyawaki Forests in Prayagraj:

• Achievements:
  • Over 56,000 square meters of land converted into dense forests using the Miyawaki technique over the last two years.
  • The project aims to create oxygen banks in preparation for the Mahakumbh 2025 and enhance air quality for millions of expected visitors.
• Plantations:
  • 55,800 square meters of area developed across 10+ locations in Prayagraj.
  • Largest plantation: 1.2 lakh trees in Naini industrial area.
  • 27,000 trees planted in Baswar after cleaning the city's largest garbage dump.
• Environmental Impact:
  • The plantations are helping to reduce dust, dirt, and foul odors, thus improving air quality.
  • Temperature regulation: The dense forests can lower temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.
  • Biodiversity and Soil Fertility: Accelerated growth of trees boosts biodiversity and improves soil fertility.
• Tree Species Planted:
  • Mango, Mahua, Neem, Peepal, Tamarind, Arjuna, Teak, Amla.
  • Ornamental and medicinal plants like Hibiscus, Kadamba, Gulmohar, etc.
  • Other species include Sheesham, Bamboo, Lemon, Drumstick (Sahjan), and Tecoma.

Benefits of Miyawaki Forests:

• Air and Water Pollution Reduction: Trees absorb carbon, purify air, and improve water quality.
• Temperature Control: The forests help in reducing urban heat islands, lowering the temperature during hot months.
• Soil Conservation: The dense forests prevent soil erosion and promote the regeneration of the natural ecosystem.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: The technique supports a rich variety of species, improving ecological balance.