PM Modi talks of Miyawaki forests in Mann ki Baat: What is this method, also being used in Mumbai

Subject : Environment

Section: Ecosystem

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his latest ‘Mann ki baat’ episode spoke about Miyawaki plantation, the Japanese method of creating dense urban forests in a small area.

Details:

The largest Miyawaki forest under this project was created at Chandivali’s Nahar Amrut Shakti Udyan, wherein over 41,000 plants were planted over 13 acres.

Miyawaki plantation method:

Named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this method involves planting two to four different types of indigenous trees within every square metre.
In this method, the trees become self-sustaining and they grow to their full length within three years.
The methodology was developed in the 1970s, with the basic objective to densify green cover within a small parcel of land.
The plants used in the Miyawaki method are mostly self-sustaining and don’t require regular maintenance like manuring and watering.
Over the years, this cost-effective method has become the go-to solution for the civic body to restore the green cover in space-starved city like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Advantages of Miyawaki forests:
- Some of the common indigenous plants that are used for these forests include Anjan, Amala, Bel, Arjun and Gunj.
- Attracts the local bird species.
- The dense green cover of indigenous trees plays a key role in absorbing the dust particles of the area where the garden has been set up.
- Regulates the surface temperature.
Disadvantages include:
- These forests are not able to attract clouds and rain.
- Plants grown under these forests do not evolve medicinal properties.
- The forest is not as diverse as the naturally grown forest.
- Flora and fauna diversity is low compared to the natural forest.
- Unable to sustain the keystone species like elephants and tigers.