The Belagavi district has announced an ambitious plan to plant over 2 lakh saplings under the Miyawaki model mini forest development scheme. This initiative will be executed through local bodies, including the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) and municipal councils of Gokak, Nippani, Bailhongal, Savadatti, Ramdurg, and Athani. Additionally, the Belagavi Zilla Panchayat has set a separate target of planting 1.2 lakh saplings in rural areas.
Launch of Miyawaki Model Forest Development
As part of Environment Day celebrations, the government 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.
Rural Area Targets
The Zilla Panchayat Social Sector Forest Department has set a target of planting 1.2 lakh saplings across 320 hectares in rural areas. Officials stated that the objective is to cool the climate and increase forest cover. Under this scheme, 18,000 to 20,000 saplings can be planted per acre, with a grant of Rs 14 lakh allocated per acre.
Locations and Species
Mini forests are planned in parks, government 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.
Urban Local Body Targets
Officials said that 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 of BCC, stated that a mini forest development plan has been prepared in four parts of the city. MLA Asif Sait launched a project on Friday to develop a mini forest on one acre in Srinagar, where more than 20,000 trees of various species are being planted. He urged the public to join the programme.
BCC officials mentioned that under the Miyawaki mini forest project, private organisations and institutions will manage saplings until they are planted and nurtured.
