IOCL CSR Intervention in developing Miyawaki Forest in Chennai City

Chennai: Miyawaki Forest – a Japanese concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests, is a method of developing dense forests in small areas by planting a number of different types of native species of trees close together in a small pit with vital nutrients. The close plantation enriches the green cover and reinforces the richness of the land. This method would lead to develop a dense a green cover in urban areas and improve bio diversity.

 

Shri Gautam Ghosal, Executive Director (HR) launched a Miyawaki Forest under IndianOil's CSR activity at My Ladies Garden of Greater Chennai Corporation at Periyampet in Chennai marking the World Environment Day- 2019.  Shri Shrikant Bhande, CGM (CSR & L&D) and other senior officials from SRPL Shri Balakrishna Naik & Shri P. Rama Kishore were present on the occasion. IndianOil has taken up the Miyawaki afforestation on pilot basis for a total area of 600 SQFT in Greater Chennai Corporation owned park in North Chennai & shall expand it upto 3000 SQFT This will lead to development of a dense green cover in urban areas which improves bio-diversity. Under CSR, IndianOil implemented the project in the land by developing the plantation and providing manure. Watering facility may be provided by the city corporation. The initiative is part of IndianOil's Swachhta Action Plan for FY 2019-20.

 

In Miyawaki method multi-layered saplings are planted close to each other. This blocks sunlight from reaching the ground and prevents weeds from growing, thus keeping the soil moist. The close cropping further ensures that the plants receive sunlight only from the top thus enabling them only to grow upwards than sideways. Growing the saplings close also ensures space for more trees to be planted. Miyawaki method of tree plantation grows saplings ten times fast and the forest is 30 times denser.

 

This method is found suitable for the urban scape considering the rapid urbanization with less availability free space for developing green belt, as this method requires minimum area to develop a dense forest. Many corporate houses and firms are adopting this new technique for improving the greenery in their premises.

 

These forests offer biodiversity in its most natural form and fulfil the many functions of natural ecosystems, including the absorption of carbon dioxide and the protection of soil from erosion. Since the main tree species are selected from native varieties, the original ecosystem shall be quickly restored. After two years of plantation, the forest becomes self-sufficient and does not rely on any external maintenance. This solution is environmentally sustainable and can scaled up in all cities.