Pithoragarh: Fast dwindling forest cover in Uttarakhand has been a matter of serious concern for the state government. However, the Uttarakhand Forest Research Centre remained successful in expanding the state’s forest cover through a Japanese technology known as Miyawaki, bringing some good news for a depleting environment.
According to the chief forest conservator and director, Uttarakhand Forest Research Centre, Sanjeev Chaturvedi informed that a record has been set by creating the world’s highest altitude forest with Miyawaki technology.
Miyawaki technology helps in developing fast-growing forest
The initiative to expand forest cover in the Munsiyari area of Pithoragarh district began in July 2021. So far, this effort has resulted in the creation of a forest area covering 0.16 hectares using the Miyawaki technique. This lush, vibrant forest features 40 different species of plants, including local ones such as Buransh (Rhododendron), Thunair (Yew), Banj (Oak), Walnut, and Deodar. Forest Officer Munsiyari RP Joshi noted that while expanding a forest typically takes a long time, the Miyawaki technique allows forests to develop fully in just 10 to 15 years, with plant growth being nearly 10 times faster.
Forest was created in Italy in 2018 using this technology
Chief Forest Conservator and Director of the Uttarakhand Forest Research Center, Haldwani, Sanjeev Chaturvedi, mentioned that a forest was created in Italy in 2018 using this technology at an altitude of 1,836 meters. However, the Uttarakhand Forest Research Centre has set a new record by developing a forest at 2,450 meters in Patal Thaud, Munsiyari. “Developing this forest presented significant challenges, as the area remained covered with snow for four months. Additionally, protecting it from domestic and wild animals was difficult’ he said.
What is the Miyawaki method?
The Miyawaki plantation technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, is a unique method of afforestation. This technique involves planting various native tree species in a small area, which eventually grow into a dense, multi-layered forest. The goal is to create a self-sustaining forest with rich biodiversity that can help restore degraded land and combat climate change. The Miyawaki method is renowned for its ability to grow forests faster, with trees that are typically shorter and wider than those in traditional forests. The Japanese technology also helps in promoting local vegetation so that favorable climate, weather and soil can help in the growth of these plants.
