The preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025 are going on in full swing. Besides the special arrangements in the Kumbh Kshetra concerning infrastructure and health facilities for the devotees, the administration has also focused on the environmental front. In this vein, the Ministry of Culture said on Wednesday (8th January) that dense forests have been developed at various locations across Prayagraj through the Miyawaki technique, to ensure pure air and a healthy atmosphere for the millions of devotees expected to visit the city.
Over the past two years, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has established many oxygen banks using the Japanese Miyawaki approach, resulting in lush green woods. These efforts have improved both greenery and air quality, making them vital for environmental conservation.
Chandra Mohan Garg, Commissioner of Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, stated that the Miyawaki Technique is being used to grow dense forests around the city. Over the last two years, the Corporation has planted trees in more than ten locations throughout the city, totalling 55,800 square meters.
The greatest plantation, with over 1.2 lakh trees of 63 species, was completed in the Naini industrial region, while 27,000 trees of 27 different species were planted in Baswar following the cleanup of the city’s largest garbage yard. This project not only helps to eliminate industrial waste, but it also reduces dust, dirt, and foul odours. In addition, it improves the city’s air quality. Miyawaki forests provide numerous benefits, including prevention of soil erosion, reduction of water and air pollution and enhanced biodiversity.
According to Dr NB Singh, a former Botany professor at Allahabad Central University, the rapid growth of dense forests using this method helps reduce the temperature difference between day and night Maha Kumbh 2025 dense forests during summers. These forests also boost biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and create habitats for animals and birds. Additionally, large forests developed through this technique can lower the temperature by 4 to 7 degrees Celsius, offering significant environmental benefits.
The project includes a wide variety of species, ranging from fruit-bearing trees to medicinal and ornamental plants. Key species planted under this project include mango, mahua, neem, peepal, tamarind, arjuna, teak, tulsi, amla, and ber. Additionally, ornamental and medicinal plants like hibiscus, kadamba, gulmohar, jungle jalebi, bougainvillea, and brahmi have been incorporated. Other species include Sheesham, bamboo, Kaner (red and yellow), Tecoma, kachnar, mahogany, lemon, and drumstick (sahjan).
The Miyawaki technique was developed by noted Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. This technique is a revolutionary method for creating dense forests in limited spaces. This involves planting trees and shrubs close to one another to accelerate their growth which is why it is also called the “pot plantation method”.
With the Miyawaki technique, plants grow 10 times faster. This method mimics natural forests by using a mix of native species planted densely and also improves soil quality, enhances biodiversity, and accelerates forest development.
Trees planted using the Miyawaki technique absorb more carbon, grow faster, and support richer biodiversity compared to traditional forests. In urban settings, this technique has transformed polluted, barren lands into green ecosystems. It has successfully managed industrial waste, reduced dust and foul odours, and curbed air and water pollution. Additionally, it prevents soil erosion and promotes ecological balance, making it an effective tool for environmental restoration.
