DEVELOPMENT OF TREE PLANTATION THROUGH MIYAWAKI METHOD AT SABARMATI RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED - A RESEARCH

Abstract

The current paper deals with the progressive and sustainable approaches of development of tree plantation through Miyawaki method at Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited. Miyawaki forests are one approach that has recently received a lot of attention. The Miyawaki method of reforestation, named after Japanese botanist and plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki, is a method of ecological engineering that advocates the growth of forests even in small areas by first treating the top layer of soil and then planting the local species that can thrive on their own. Ahmedabad's municipal corporation, which has Kobe, Japan as a sister city, is experimenting with this and hopes to develop such green spaces not only on land but also now on completely flowing Sabarmati River. ‘We chose this fast-growing urban forestry method, as it has reported 15% faster growth rate per year compared to the other reforestation methods,’ said Dr. Asif Memon, General Manager (Parks and Garden), and Sabarmati Riverfront Development, who is overseeing the reforestation initiatives. Moreover, for maintenance, all that a Miyawaki forest requires is good water supply and weeding for two years. Thereafter, it will be self-sustaining, need no external support. The current study gathers the strategic objectives for developing tree plantations using the Miyawaki method, as well as the benefits to nature and other ecosystems.