In the heart of Mumbai, miniature yet lush forests are emerging, showcasing the success of the Miyawaki technique in creating urban green spaces. In just a year, a small plot in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs, equivalent in size to a tennis court, has transformed into an exemplar of “urban forests” through the innovative Miyawaki method.
Nestled within the 57,000-square-meter Bhakti Park in the industrial ward of Chembur/Wadala, this hidden gem conceals a burgeoning forest of nearly 1,100 indigenous plants planted on a mere 230 square meters. Within the park, three additional patches, each with 36,000 saplings, contribute to the greenery. Among the diverse trees on the site are neem, amla, hibiscus, jamun, and cashew.
The Miyawaki technique, inspired by the work of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1980s, compresses layers of a forest—shrubs, trees, canopies—onto small plots, effectively creating miniature forests. Advocates assert that these urban forests grow ten times faster, become 30 times denser, and boast 100 times more biodiversity than those established through conventional methods. The method involves planting three to four saplings per square meter, utilizing native species adapted to local conditions. A key feature is the planting of a wide variety of species, ideally 30 or more, to replicate the natural layers of a forest.
Before planting, meticulous studies of local agro-climatic conditions, including soil quality, are conducted. The Miyawaki forests consist of three crucial layers—shrubs and undergrowth, medium-height trees, and taller canopies. Mulching, natural water retention, and the use of organic compost and cow dung support their growth.
Nilesh Pawar, junior tree officer from M-West’s garden department, emphasizes the self-sustainability of Miyawaki forests. He notes that these forests mature in two to three years, requiring minimal maintenance compared to traditional gardens.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, urban forests contribute to temperature reduction in concrete heat islands, mitigate air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and serve as carbon sinks. Pradeep Tripathi, founder of NGO Green Yatra, underscores the importance of preserving natural forests while acknowledging the positive impact of urban forests on local biodiversity.
Miyawaki forests aim to regenerate land in significantly less time than the decades-long natural recovery process of traditional forests. In a bid to counteract the depletion of green cover, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken a project to create small “urban forests” in the city. Initiated by former municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi, the project allocates funds for plantations in open spaces and gardens.
However, the initiative has faced criticism from some quarters. Congress corporator Asif Zakaria raised concerns about the progress of certain plantations, citing encroachment issues. Despite the challenges, the BMC has set an ambitious target of planting 400,000 trees across 65 plots in Mumbai, with 54,760 trees already planted in 14,258 square meters of space. The endeavor reflects a commitment to enhancing the city’s green cover and promoting sustainable urban development.
