Ahead of the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the government has undertaken a significant environmental initiative. To ensure clean air and a healthy atmosphere for the millions of devotees expected to attend the event, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has implemented the Japanese “Miyawaki technique” to create dense forests across the city.
Over the past two years, these efforts have resulted in the establishment of numerous “oxygen banks,” transforming barren landscapes into thriving green spaces. The largest of these forests, boasting over 1.2 lakh trees from 63 species, has been cultivated in the Naini industrial area.
What is the Miyawaki Technique? 
Developed by renowned Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, this revolutionary method involves planting trees and shrubs close together to accelerate their growth. Often referred to as the “pot plantation method,” it mimics natural forests by utilizing a diverse mix of native species.
Key Benefits:
- Rapid Growth: Trees planted using this technique grow 10 times faster than those in traditional forests.
- Improved Soil Quality: It enhances soil quality, making it more fertile and conducive to plant growth.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: It supports a greater variety of plant and animal life.
- Carbon Sequestration: These dense forests absorb more carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.
- Reduced Pollution: They effectively combat air and water pollution, reduce dust and odors, and prevent soil erosion.
- Cooler Temperatures: They lower ambient temperatures by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius, providing relief from the summer heat.
Prayagraj’s Green Transformation:
- Multiple Locations: The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has planted trees at over 10 locations, covering a total area of 55,800 square meters.
- Species Diversity: The initiative incorporates a diverse range of species, including fruit-bearing trees (mango, mahua), medicinal trees (neem, peepal), and ornamental plants (hibiscus, gulmohar).
- Addressing Environmental Concerns: The project has successfully addressed industrial waste management, reduced dust and odors from the Baswar garbage dumping yard, and significantly improved air quality in the city.
By embracing the Miyawaki technique, Prayagraj is not only enhancing its environmental sustainability but also creating a more welcoming and healthier environment for the millions of devotees who will visit during the Mahakumbh Mela.
