Green push: Belagavi rolls out large-scale Miyawaki forest project

Belagavi: Belagavi district has planned to plant over two lakh saplings under the Miyawaki model mini forest development scheme through various local bodies, including the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) and the municipal councils of Gokak, Nippani, Bailhongal, Savadatti, Ramdurg and Athani. Additionally, the Belagavi zilla panchayat has set a target of planting 1.2 lakh saplings in rural areas.As part of Environment Day, the state govt has implemented the Miyawaki model forest development project within the jurisdiction of urban local bodies. The sapling plantation programme was launched in Belagavi district on Friday.Dr Akira Miyawaki, a globally renowned Japanese botanist and plant ecology expert, pioneered the Miyawaki method, which enables the rapid creation of dense, self-sustaining native mini-forests on degraded urban or industrial land.The zilla panchayat social sector forest department, aiming to increase forest cover in rural areas, has set a target of planting 1.2 lakh saplings across 320 hectares in the district. Officials said the project’s main objective is to reduce temperatures and enhance forest wealth. Around 18,000 to 20,000 saplings can be planted per acre, with a grant of Rs 14 lakh allocated per acre.According to officials, mini-forests will be developed in parks, govt public spaces such as schools and office premises, and APMC market areas. Under the green path programme, plantation will also be taken up along both sides of roads passing through forest areas, vacant land and uncultivated land. Locations for sapling distribution have already been identified. In the first phase, species such as neem, tamarind, mango and pomegranate, known for improving oxygen levels, are being planted.As part of Environment Day, saplings were planted in areas under the jurisdiction of the BCC, municipal councils and town panchayats. Plans have been drawn up to plant 20,000 saplings under the BCC, 30,000 within town panchayat limits, and 40,000 each in the jurisdiction of various municipal councils.Miyawaki model forest in Belagavi cityBCC commissioner Kartik M said a mini forest development plan has been prepared in four parts of Belagavi city. MLA Asif Sait on Friday launched a project to develop a mini forest on one acre of land in Srinagar. Over 20,000 trees of various species will be planted in this area, and the public has been urged to participate in the initiative.BCC officials said that under the Miyawaki mini forest development project, private organisations and institutions will be responsible for maintaining and nurturing the saplings until they are established.