RAIPUR,CG: In an effort to combat increasing pollution, the youths of Raipur have created a mini forest within the city using the Japanese Miyawaki technique. This mini forest is located in Gandhi Udyan, one of the busiest areas in the heart of Raipur. Spanning approximately 7,500 square feet, the Miyawaki forest is claimed to absorb 30 percent more carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to traditional plantations.

The initiative began in September 2023 when the Young India organization planted trees using the Miyawaki method. In less than a year, this area has transformed into a dense forest.

2,500 Saplings Planted

Under this technique, 2,500 saplings were planted in Gandhi Udyan, covering 7,500 square feet. The saplings include 63 different varieties of plants, such as neem, peepal, banyan, karan, mango, guava, conocarpus, jamun, betel nut, and palm, among others. The Sun and Sun Group currently maintains the forest, with two caretakers watering the plants every morning and evening.

Miyawaki Technique Gaining Popularity in Metro Cities

With limited space for planting trees in urban areas, the Miyawaki technique has become increasingly popular in major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. This method allows communities to create mini forests, significantly reducing air and noise pollution by up to 3,000 times.

However, one major disadvantage of the Miyawaki plantation is the limited genetic diversity of the planted trees. The technique involves planting a high density of trees of the same species, which can result in a lack of genetic diversity. This can make the forest more susceptible to diseases, pests, and other environmental stresses.