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Kolkata, 25 March:
Using the Meyawaki afforestation technique more than 250 saplings were planted in the New Town Green verge today by Newtown Kolkata Development Authority ( NKDA) in collaboration with Sister Nivedita University ( SNU) in an attempt to promote urban forestry in Newtown and Rajarhat. This is the city’s first attempt at implementing the afforestation technique made famous by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests. The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual. The method involves planting two to four trees per square metre. Miyawaki forests grow in two to three years and are self-sustaining. They help lower temperatures in concrete heat islands, reduce air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and create carbon sinks.
“ This is a unique idea to develop urban forestry. Such initiatives from academic institutions, corporates, and even individuals to develop green verge plots are welcome. Newtown has developed into an eco-friendly locality and we will take up more such initiates in the future too,’’ Mr. Debashish Sen, Chairman of NKDA and MD- Chairman of HIDCO speaking at the plantation event, said.
Indigenous saplings of more than 40 varieties planted by SNU authorities in the NKDA’s allotted 2.08 acre of plot technique in the heart of the satellite town will be developed into a multi-layered dense urban forest.
Saplings ranging from medicinal plants to fruits and flowers were planted in the plot that is expected to grow at a rate 10 times faster than monoculture while only requiring small areas ideal for the cluttered urban landscapes.
“I can envision that this plot will soon turn into a beautiful place with trees and flowers. Faculty and students of different departments of SNU will participate in making this project a success. This is truly a unique initiative,” Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury, Chancellor of Sister Nivedita University and MD and Founder of Techno India Group said.
The event was also attended by Prof Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of SNU, Mr. Sanku Bose, Group CEO, Techno India Group and Mr. Shankar Sengupta, Chief Conservator of Forest, Govt of West Bengal.
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