This is how cleanest city Indore is also transforming into a green city: A green revolution unveiled

Indore is embarking on a transformative journey to enhance its green cover, countering the prevalent concrete jungle. Embracing the Miyawaki method, large-scale tree planting initiatives are underway, aiming to create lush greenery reminiscent of a natural retaining wall along riverbanks. 

The Miyawaki method is an afforestation technique for cultivating fast-growing groves of native plants, with the dense, mixed planting intended to simulate the layers of a natural forest.

This approach, also known as agro-forestry or community forestry, utilizes three to five plants per square meter. Notably, 40 to 50 percent of locally available species are planted, contributing to improved air quality in the surroundings. Impressively, the Miyawaki method boasts a survival rate of up to 90 percent for the planted saplings.

Emergence of Green Walls Along Kanh and Saraswati Rivers

The Municipal Corporation, collaborating with the Forest Department, is spearheading the Miyawaki method to create vibrant green walls along the banks of rivers Kanh and Saraswati. This initiative not only enhances the aesthetic appeal with flowering plants but also safeguards government land from encroachment. The ongoing efforts are focused on the Saraswati River in Magarkuan behind Lalbagh and the Kanh River in Niranjanpur.

Officials report a meticulous six-month effort to clear debris from both riverbanks, with approximately one and a half hectares in Magarkuan near Saraswati River now adorned with eleven and a half thousand plants representing forty species. Notable additions include Kaner, Bamboo, Jam, Gular, and Gulmohar. One thousand saplings have also been planted around the river. In two years now a wall of plants has been erected here. Flowers have also started appearing in these plants.

Shielding wild animals from noise and light pollution

The Miyawaki method found its initial application in Ralamandal Sanctuary in 2014-15, aiming to shield wildlife from the disruptive noise and light pollution caused by vehicular traffic on the nearby bypass. A 15-foot high and 30-foot long wall of plants was cultivated to effectively block sound and light. The success of this endeavor led to yearly pruning and subsequent application in Bargonda nursery within the Mhow range.

SGSITS Campus Adopts Miyawaki: A Collective Green Initiative

The SGSITS campus has joined the Miyawaki movement, initiating a collaborative effort involving teachers and students. The Miyawaki forest plantation drive at Shri GS Institute of Technology & Science (SGSITS) kicked off recently, aiming to establish a dense and biodiverse forest using the renowned Japanese method. 

Spanning an expansive one-acre area on campus, the initiative attracted more than 1500 participants on the inaugural day, who collectively planted over 2000 saplings of various species. Noteworthy is the emphasis on reviving extinct species, including sona patha, garuda tree, kumbhi, gabadi, black rosewood, palash, paddy, khat, anjan, tensa, haldu, kusum, and shami.

Sources reveal that SGSITS is pioneering the creation of the first Miyawaki forest on a college campus in Madhya Pradesh. The ambitious project is set to witness the planting of a total of 8200 saplings, representing around 65 different species, throughout the five-day event.

A total of 8200 saplings from 65 different species will find a new home here, with meticulous arrangements in place for drip irrigation to ensure their well-being. The institute's director, Prof. Rakesh Saxena, emphasizes the commitment to sustaining this Miyawaki Forest, even if it means procuring water through tanker services.

The college is also towards achieving a Guinness World Record for developing the ‘largest man-made forest inside an engineering college campus’.