Patna: Bihar is preparing to introduce Japanese Miyawaki-style ‘mini forests’ in major cities as part of a proposed plan to tackle air pollution, rising urban temperatures and shrinking green spaces.
The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department and the Disaster Management Department have jointly prepared the proposal, which is expected to receive final approval from the state government.
Once approved, the plan will focus on creating dense patches of vegetation in urban areas where large spaces for conventional forests are not available.
Why Bihar Is Turning To Miyawaki Forests
Increasing levels of PM-10 pollution, expanding concrete surfaces and rising temperatures have emerged as concerns in Bihar’s urban areas.
The proposed approach aims to provide a longer-term nature-based solution instead of relying only on temporary measures such as water sprinkling to control dust.
The Miyawaki technique allows a large number of plants to be grown in a relatively small area, making it suitable for densely built-up cities.
How The Japanese Miyawaki Method Works
The Miyawaki method involves planting multiple locally suitable species close together after preparing the soil to support plant growth.
Unlike a conventional plantation with trees spaced farther apart, the technique creates a dense, multi-layered green patch.
It can include shrubs, smaller trees, larger trees and canopy-level species, allowing vegetation at different heights to grow together.
The source report states that Miyawaki plantations can develop considerably faster than conventional plantations, although they can require higher initial investment.
Vacant Land And Roadsides In Focus
The proposed plantation drive will identify suitable spaces at major intersections, busy commercial areas, public places and along roadsides.
Vacant urban land will also be considered for developing dense green patches.
Local municipal bodies are expected to play a role in identifying suitable locations and securing the necessary permissions before plantation work begins.
The idea is to create multiple small green spaces across cities rather than depending only on large parks.
Citizens May Also Create Mini Forests
The proposed initiative is not limited to government-owned land.
Residents will also be encouraged to use suitable vacant spaces around their homes to develop small Miyawaki-style micro-forests.
The government’s plan aims to increase public participation so that green cover can expand across different parts of urban areas.
How The Plan Could Help Cities
Dense vegetation can provide additional green cover in built-up areas and create shaded spaces where trees are established.
The initiative is also intended to support efforts to address urban heat and particulate pollution, while improving the overall green character of cities.
The effectiveness of the programme will depend on factors such as suitable site selection, choice of plant species, soil preparation and maintenance after plantation.
With final approval awaited, Bihar’s proposed Miyawaki programme could introduce a new model of small-scale urban forestry, using limited spaces to create dense green pockets across its cities.
