Around 56,000 sq. meters of dense forests have been created in Prayagraj in the last two years using the Miyawaki technique. The area was a garbage dump. It has been transformed into a lush green forests, aiding environmental conservation.
In an ambitious initiative to enhance environmental conservation and prepare for the grand Mahakumbh 2025, Prayagraj has turned approximately 56,000 square meters of barren and polluted land into dense forests. Employing the Japanese Miyawaki technique, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has established lush green oxygen banks across the city, significantly improving air quality and biodiversity.
The Commissioner of the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, Chandra Mohan Garg, highlighted the success of the project, stating that dense forests have been created at over 10 locations in the city over the past two years. “The largest plantation, encompassing around 1.2 lakh trees from 63 species, has been established in the Naini industrial area. Additionally, 27,000 trees from 27 species were planted in Baswar, reclaiming the city’s largest garbage dumping yard,” he said. This transformation has not only addressed issues of industrial waste but has also helped reduce dust, dirt, and foul odours, making the environment cleaner and healthier.
The Miyawaki forests bring numerous benefits, including reducing air and water pollution, preventing soil erosion, and fostering biodiversity. According to Dr. N.B. Singh, former Botany professor at Allahabad Central University, these dense forests grow rapidly and offer significant environmental advantages. “They can reduce the temperature difference between day and night during summers and lower overall temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius. Additionally, these forests improve soil fertility, create habitats for various species, and serve as crucial biodiversity hotspots,” Dr. Singh explained.
Diverse Plantation for Sustainable Growth
The project has incorporated a wide variety of tree species to ensure long-term ecological benefits. Key species include fruit-bearing trees like mango, tamarind, and amla, along with medicinal plants such as tulsi and brahmi. Ornamental species like gulmohar, hibiscus, and bougainvillea add aesthetic value, while sturdy trees like neem, teak, mahogany, and arjuna contribute to structural diversity. Other species planted include peepal, bamboo, kadamba, lemon, and drumstick (sahjan), ensuring a rich mix of native flora.
The use of native species under the Miyawaki technique accelerates forest growth, with trees growing ten times faster than in conventional methods. This approach mimics natural forest ecosystems by planting saplings densely and allowing them to grow interdependently. The result is a self-sustaining forest that absorbs more carbon and supports a thriving ecosystem.
Revitalising Urban Spaces
One of the most remarkable achievements of the project is the transformation of Baswar’s garbage dumping yard into a green haven. The site, once notorious for its industrial waste and overpowering stench, is now home to thriving forests. This effort has also mitigated the environmental hazards associated with the dumping yard, improving air and soil quality while curbing pollution.
The Miyawaki technique has proven to be a game-changer for urban areas like Prayagraj, where land is scarce, and pollution levels are high. By converting degraded lands into green spaces, the city has taken a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability and ecological balance.
Understanding the Miyawaki Technique
Pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, this technique involves planting a mix of native trees and shrubs close to one another. The dense plantation accelerates growth, with trees maturing 10 times faster than traditional methods. The technique also improves soil quality and biodiversity, making it ideal for urban afforestation projects.
The Miyawaki method has been used worldwide to restore degraded ecosystems, combat industrial pollution, and create green belts in urban areas. By fostering rapid growth, these forests become self-sustaining within a few years, offering long-term ecological benefits. In Prayagraj, this innovative approach has not only addressed the pressing issue of pollution but also set a precedent for urban afforestation projects in other cities.
Towards a Greener Mahakumbh 2025
As the city prepares to host millions of devotees for Mahakumbh 2025, the development of these dense forests ensures cleaner air and a healthier environment. The project aligns with the broader goals of environmental restoration and urban sustainability, making Prayagraj a model for ecological innovation.
By transforming garbage dumps into green sanctuaries, Prayagraj has shown how urban spaces can embrace nature to tackle pressing environmental challenges. The Miyawaki forests stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
