This method, which originated in Japan, means saplings are planted very close together. They grow densely packed and can turn into a mini forest. This is ideal for Mumbai, a city which is synonymous with space crunch
The ongoing construction work of the cycle track at Powai lake
A Powai space is going to be turned into an urban forest in a pleasing move by civic authorities, green activists and citizens initiative. The BMC has already spoken about how it has earmarked several plots across the city to turn them into mini forests using the Miyawaki method. This method, which originated in Japan, means saplings are planted very close together. They grow densely packed and can turn into a mini forest. This is ideal for Mumbai, a city which is synonymous with space crunch.
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The Miyawaki method is going to be adopted by authorities, and they claim they have identified a number of plots across the city where they want to make urban forests. They have also stressed on citizens’ involvement in the Miyawaki forests initiative. It is heartening to see that a real effort to go green is being made and that, too, recognising that community involvement is key in sustainability of these projects.
It is ironic though that on one hand we talk about greening, but there is a perennial battle on the other with citizens, activists and authorities about concretisation, chopping trees, taking away green patches, removing parts of gardens or lakes. We have reports about civic authorities assuaging sentiment and giving evidence and assurances when activists have raised concerns about a green patch being taken over for some infra project.
We do need to ensure we save the existing green as much as possible, and try as hard as ever to safeguard the little green when projects are started. The Metro authorities, for instance, claim they will replace gardens that have been uprooted for the Metro lines; they must keep that promise. The Coastal Road authorities also must make good on the greening they have promised. Tree transplantation must work. Miyawaki means new forests, but do not forget the old, while doing so.
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