The Miyawaki Technique, a game-changer in urban reforestation, has been used to transform 56,000 square meters of land into dense forests in Prayagraj over the last two years. This initiative is part of preparations for Mahakumbh 2025, showcasing how innovative methods can rejuvenate degraded urban landscapes.
What is the Miyawaki Technique?
Origin:
Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this method focuses on creating dense, fast-growing forests in urban settings.
Key Features:
Native Vegetation:
Emphasizes planting native species to align with the local ecosystem.
Dense Planting:
Plants, shrubs, and trees are grown densely, often with multiple layers of vegetation in a small area.
Rapid Growth:
Forests mature approximately 10 times faster than conventional methods.
Low Maintenance:
After the initial 2-3 years of care, the forests thrive independently, requiring minimal human intervention.
Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV):
The technique is based on the concept of PNV, which refers to the type of vegetation that would naturally thrive in an area without human interference.
Advantages of the Miyawaki Technique
Combat Urban Heat: Dense green cover reduces urban heat island effects, cooling the environment.
Carbon Sequestration: Acts as a carbon sink, absorbing significant amounts of CO₂.
Biodiversity Revival: Provides habitat for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
Improved Air Quality: Filters pollutants, contributing to cleaner urban air.
Flood Management: Enhances soil permeability, reducing waterlogging and floods.
Aesthetic Appeal: Dense forests create scenic, peaceful spaces in bustling cities.
Miyawaki in India
The Miyawaki Technique has gained traction in several Indian cities:
Chennai: Creation of mini forests to combat air pollution.
Delhi: Used in reforestation drives to enhance green cover.
Bengaluru: Adopting this technique to tackle urban deforestation.
Prayagraj’s Initiative:
The creation of dense forests for Mahakumbh 2025 is a prime example of integrating reforestation with cultural events.
Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
Environmental Governance: Aligns with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement for reducing carbon emissions.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Policy Support: Complements initiatives like the National Afforestation Programme and CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
Urban Planning: Demonstrates innovative methods to enhance urban sustainability.
Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Miyawaki Technique:
It exclusively involves exotic tree species to create dense forests.
The technique is based on the concept of potential natural vegetation (PNV).
It requires extensive maintenance for at least 10 years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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