Hyderabad: To increase green cover in urban localities and encourage native plantation, Mahesh Talari, an environmental enthusiast, has adopted the Miyawaki plantation method and has been converting open plots into green lands. This method is best suited for urban areas, as it helps transform degraded plots into lush green spaces. Using this method increases biodiversity, enhances carbon sequestration, promotes urban greening, and results in an improved ecosystem. The growth of these plantations is ten times faster than that of a natural forest.
The Miyawaki method, developed by Akira Miyawaki in the 1980s, involves using only indigenous trees and plants to ensure the forest is in harmony with the local ecosystem. Trees are planted very close to each other, promoting faster growth due to competition for light and resources. Additionally, growing different plant species closely aids in creating multiple layers such as shrubs, sub-trees, and canopy trees, mimicking a natural forest structure.
Mahesh Talari, founder of Ever Green Again, said, “In our urban areas, we see many open plots lying empty or filled with trash. Seeing this, I thought, why not adopt the Miyawaki plantation method? This method focuses on recreating natural forests with native species, allowing them to grow quickly and become self-sustaining in a short period. So, in 2020, I started planting saplings in open government plots in the city, including at Uppal, Lingampally, Cherapally, and BHEL, using this plantation method.”
“Till date, we have planted 30,000 to 40,000 saplings, all of which are native plants, including Jammi Chettu (Prosopis cineraria), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), and Neem (Azadirachta indica). While growing these trees, we use only organic fertilizers such as vermicompost instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Miyawaki forests can grow ten times faster than conventional forests and become self-sustaining within three years. The forest is maintained for the first two to three years until it becomes self-sustaining. In this green mission, the Police department and GHMC are supporting us.”
On urban plantation, he said, “The government is encouraging plantation, but mostly in urban areas, we find avenue plantation. In this method, foreign plant species are used, and their lifespan is shorter. It would be better if the State and Central governments encouraged Miyawaki plantation in urban areas. In the coming days, I plan to extend this plantation method to other States across India.”
