Mysuru Greens: Miyawaki Forests Take Root

Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is set to establish Miyawaki mini-forests in two Rajiv Nagar parks, a densely populated area. This initiative aims to enhance green cover, improve the urban environment, and mitigate rising temperatures. The project will be funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with plans to plant around 30,000 saplings across a combined area of approximately one acre.

The Miyawaki technique, a method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves dense planting of native tree species to foster rapid growth and self-sustaining ecosystems in small spaces. MCC has previously implemented this model successfully in parks at Dattagalli and Vijayanagar III Stage, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating lush greenery with reduced maintenance needs.

MCC Commissioner MK Savitha highlighted that the Miyawaki model is particularly beneficial for parks where conventional maintenance is difficult. These fast-growing, low-water-consuming plantations will improve urban biodiversity and ease the maintenance burden. Following positive responses to earlier projects, MCC plans to expand this initiative to two more parks in Rajiv Nagar during the 2026-27 financial year.

Naturalist MK Sapthagirish supports the MCC's initiative, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing native trees that support local wildlife. He recommended gradual expansion across the city, ensuring that exotic species are avoided to maintain urban biodiversity and natural vegetation propagation.