Belagavi to plant 3.2 lakh saplings under Miyawaki model

Belagavi: The district plans to plant over 2 lakh saplings under the Miyawaki model mini forest development scheme through local bodies, including the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) and municipal councils of Gokak, Nippani, Bailhongal, Savadatti, Ramdurg and Athani. The Belagavi zilla panchayat has set a separate target of planting 1.2 lakh saplings in rural areas.

As part of Environment Day, the govt launched the Miyawaki model forest development project within the jurisdiction of urban local bodies in the district on Friday.

Dr Akira Miyawaki, a globally renowned Japanese botanist and plant ecology expert, pioneered the Miyawaki Method, which enables the rapid creation of dense, self-sustaining native mini-forests on degraded urban or industrial land.

The zilla panchayat social sector forest department has set a target of planting 1.2 lakh saplings across 320 hectares in rural areas. Officials said the objective is to cool the climate and increase forest cover. Eighteen thousand to 20,000 saplings can be planted per acre, with a grant of Rs 14 lakh allocated per acre.

Mini forests are planned in parks, govt public spaces such as schools and office premises, and APMC market areas. Under the green path programme, both sides of roads in forest areas, vacant land, and uncultivated land will also be covered. Identified species in the first phase include neem, tamarind, mango and pomegranate.

Officials said 20,000 saplings will be planted under BCC, 30,000 within municipal town panchayats, and 40,000 each across different municipal councils.

Miyawaki model in Belagavi city

Kartik M, commissioner, BCC, said a mini forest development plan has been prepared in four parts of the city. MLA Asif Sait Friday launched a project to develop a mini forest on one acre in Srinagar, where more than 20,000 trees of various species are being planted. He said the public should join the programme.

BCC officials said under the Miyawaki mini forest project, private organisations and institutions will manage saplings until they are planted and nurtured.