In a significant step toward tackling rising temperatures and environmental degradation, the Karnataka government has launched an ambitious urban afforestation initiative based on the Miyawaki forest model. The project aims to create dense mini-forests across nearly 100 urban local bodies in the state, with the first phase beginning in Belagavi on World Environment Day.
The initiative was inaugurated by Asif Seth, who planted saplings alongside students, local residents, and municipal officials at Nandini Marg in Srinagar, Belagavi. Several additional Miyawaki parks are planned in different parts of the city, including Chandramouli Colony, Ramatirtha Nagar, Mahantesh Nagar, Hudco Colony, and the TV Centre area.
The project comes as rapid urbanisation continues to reduce green spaces and increase concrete development, contributing to higher temperatures and environmental imbalance. State authorities believe the Miyawaki method can help restore biodiversity, improve air quality, and create much-needed urban green zones.
Each Miyawaki park will feature around 700 saplings from 12 native species, including neem, almond, bamboo, and medicinal plants. These densely planted saplings are expected to grow from approximately two feet to nearly twenty feet in height within three years, transforming small urban plots into thriving mini-forests.
The government is investing around ₹4 lakh in each park for plantation and development work. Maintenance responsibilities will be shared by local organisations, citizens’ groups, schools, colleges, and volunteers under the campaign slogan “My Plant, My Tree.”
Speaking during the inauguration, Asif Seth highlighted the importance of tree plantation in addressing changing weather patterns and declining water levels. He urged citizens to plant and nurture at least one tree, emphasizing that environmental conservation is essential for future generations.
Belagavi Municipal Commissioner M Karthik described Miyawaki forests as “green lungs” for cities. According to him, these forests can absorb carbon dioxide, reduce pollution and dust, provide shade, and create habitats for birds and wildlife.
He also announced plans to expand the initiative under the “One Ward, One Miyawaki” concept, potentially bringing Miyawaki forests to all 58 wards in Belagavi.
What Is the Miyawaki Method?
The Miyawaki technique was developed by renowned Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. Unlike conventional afforestation methods, which can take decades to establish mature forests, the Miyawaki approach creates dense native forests in small spaces within a few years.
The method involves planting three to five native saplings per square metre and combining trees, shrubs, and ground-cover plants to replicate a natural forest ecosystem. The high-density plantation encourages rapid growth, resulting in forests that mature up to ten times faster than traditional plantations while supporting greater biodiversity.
As cities across India seek solutions to rising temperatures, pollution, and shrinking green spaces, Karnataka’s adoption of the Miyawaki model reflects a growing trend toward nature-based climate solutions that combine urban development with environmental restoration.