Ahead Of Mahakumbh 2025, Dense Forests Developed In Prayagraj Using Japanese Miyawaki Technique

In preparation for Mahakumbh 2025, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has developed dense forests across the city using the Miyawaki technique.

This innovative method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting trees and shrubs closely together to replicate natural forests and accelerate growth.

Over the past two years, this approach has helped transform over 55,800 square meters of land into oxygen-rich green zones, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier environment for the millions of devotees expected to visit Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh.

What is the Miyawaki Technique?

The Miyawaki technique is a method for creating dense forests in small spaces by planting a mix of native species close together.

This proximity encourages rapid growth, with plants growing up to 10 times faster than in traditional afforestation methods.

The technique also enhances biodiversity, improves soil quality, and helps reduce air and water pollution.

In urban areas, it has proven effective in converting barren and polluted lands into thriving green ecosystems.

PMC's Green Initiative

The PMC has implemented this technique across more than 10 locations in the city.

Key highlights include:

• Naini Industrial Area: The largest plantation effort, with 1.2 lakh trees of 63 species, has revitalised this industrial zone into a green belt.

• Baswar: The city’s largest garbage dumping yard was cleaned and repurposed for planting 27,000 trees of 27 species. This transformation has reduced waste, dust, and odour while improving the local environment.

Environmental Benefits

These Miyawaki forests offer numerous advantages:

• Air Quality Improvement: The dense plantations help reduce dust and pollutants, making the air cleaner.

• Temperature Regulation: Forests created using this technique can lower ambient temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.

• Biodiversity Enhancement: A wide variety of species supports birds, animals, and insects, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

• Soil Conservation: The dense root systems prevent soil erosion and enhance fertility.

According to N B Singh, former Botany professor at Allahabad Central University, the rapid growth of dense forests using this method helps reduce the temperature difference between day and night during summers.

These forests also boost biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and create habitats for animals and birds.

Additionally, large forests developed through this technique can lower the temperature by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius, offering significant environmental benefits.

Diverse Species Planted

The plantations include a mix of fruit-bearing, medicinal, and ornamental plants to maximise ecological and social benefits:

• Fruit-bearing trees: Mango, mahua, tamarind, and amla.

• Medicinal and ornamental plants: Hibiscus, brahmi, bougainvillea, and gulmohar.

• Other species: Neem, peepal, bamboo, teak, drumstick (sahjan), and kadamba.

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