Miyawaki forests a welcome addition to 'heat islands'

In view of indiscreet concretisation of city open spaces, people are craving for lung spaces as cities are becoming heat islands. Amidst this dismal scenario emerged a silver lining in the form of Miyawaki method of growing forests in less space compared to traditional plantations. Also called the Potted Seedling Method, it is found to be sustainable afforestation technique to create dense, multilayered forests. As its technique can be adapted to indigenous species, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Kukatpally zone has taken to this afforestation method.

It seeks to spread greenery in a rapid way and also nurture dense lung spaces across the zone. Around 100 nursery sites have been proposed with an estimation of Rs 25 lakh budget for entire Kukatpally area.

Around Rs 17.5 lakh is allotted for ornamental, flowering and medical species under Telanganaku Haritha Haram (TKHH), the saplings under the scheme will be planted in graveyards, lake banks, parks, central medians and a few will be distributed for free. Around 86 varieties of species to be used for plantation under the TKHH programme and the works have begun ,say officials.

About Rs 7.5 lakh is allotted for Miyawaki plantation in Kukatpally, tree species and other 44 unique species which grow faster and healthier will be used for this sustainable plantation. "We are planning one of its kind of self-sustainable plantation.

The traditional Japanese Miyawaki method of forestation is considered to grow urban forests and expand the green cover as well as to meet the stipulated plantation target under the Telanganaku Haritha Haaram (TKHH)," says V Mamatha, Zonal Commissioner, GHMC, Kukatpally.

"Mostly, this method will help us in building more plants in a small land. As we all know, we have lesser place in our urban cities and in the limited place we have, we are trying to build more plants which can sustain longer," she explains.

Miyawaki technique will be introduced on an experimental basis and this technique is pioneered by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki to build dense, native forests. It will ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster than usual and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual. The plantation takes place around colony roads, avenue plantation, green belt, canvas gardening and others will be done with 44 species, informs the official.