Guwahati Refinery carries out Akira Miyawaki method of afforestation

Context:

• As a mark of support to Indian Oil’s commitment towards the cause of environment protection and conservation, Guwahati Refinery carried out an ‘Akira Miyawaki’ method of afforestation at Amingaon in the city on January 1.
• A total of 4,000 saplings of around 48 species of indigenous plants were planted near the Saraighat Lake in an attempt to build ‘the lungs of Guwahati city’.

Miyawaki Method:

• Miyawaki is a technique pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests in a short time.

• It has revolutionised the concept of urban afforestation by turning backyards into mini-forests.
  • This method includes planting trees (only native species) as close as possible in the same area which not only saves space, but the planted saplings also support each other in growth and block sunlight reaching the ground, thereby preventing the growth of weed.
  • The saplings become maintenance-free (self sustainable) after the first three years.
• The approach is supposed to ensure that plant growth is 10 times faster and the resulting plantation is 30 times denser than usual.
• Miyawaki method helps to create a forest in just 20 to 30 years, while through conventional methods it takes anywhere between 200 to 300 years.