Gandhinagar: In a major green initiative, plans are underway to develop Miyawaki forests across various locations in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency as part of efforts to enhance green cover. A budgetary provision of ₹25 crore has been proposed for the project.

The Miyawaki method, known for rapid afforestation, will be used to create dense forest areas in a shorter time span. While natural forests typically take 200–300 years to mature, forests developed using this technique can achieve similar density within 20–30 years. Authorities will soon identify suitable locations for plantation under this method.

The campaign will be launched under the theme “Gandhinagar Lok Sabha – Green Lok Sabha,” with an initial target of developing Miyawaki forests across 500 hectares. Considering Gujarat’s climatic conditions, the adapted version of the Miyawaki method has been named “Vankavach.”

The Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency includes areas such as Sanand in Ahmedabad district and is currently represented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Miyawaki technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting native species in close proximity to accelerate growth and create dense, self-sustaining forests. This approach requires less space and promotes faster growth compared to traditional plantation methods.

Experts note that closely planted saplings limit sunlight reaching the ground, reducing weed growth and aiding faster development. Studies suggest that forests grown using this method can develop up to ten times faster and become significantly denser than those grown through conventional techniques.

Land identified for plantation

Urban and rural areas, including land near cities, village panchayat areas, and government or semi-government land, as well as forest department land and unused government wasteland, will be utilised for developing Miyawaki forests under the project. DeshGujarat