UP Adopts Japanese Miyawaki Technique to Plant Mini-Forests in 17 Cities

Uttar Pradesh has launched the Upvan Scheme, allocating ₹70 crore to create mini-forests across 17 municipal corporations. The initiative aims to combat the urban heat island effect, which causes cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj to experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas.

The Miyawaki forest technique is a method of rapid afforestation pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. It involves planting native species densely in a small area to create self-sustaining forests that grow 10 times faster and are 30 times denser than conventional plantations.

The method is particularly effective in urban areas, where space is limited but green cover is essential.

Traditional methods take decades to establish a mature forest, while Miyawaki forests can become self-sustaining in just 2-3 years. Moreover, Traditional methods often rely on monoculture plantations, which lack biodiversity and are more vulnerable to pests and climate shifts.

This technique is gaining popularity in India, with cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Lucknow adopting it for urban greening.

Each selected city in Uttar Pradesh will receive up to 3 crore to develop green zones spanning 2,000 square meters, with a focus on Miyawaki forests, a dense planting technique proven to lower surface temperatures. Officials will use GIS mapping and thermal data to identify high-risk zones, ensuring maximum cooling benefits.

This marks UP's first dedicated budget for urban cooling, signaling a shift toward climate-resilient urban planning. This initiative is part of UP’s broader effort to combat climate change and improve air quality.

Organizations like Grow Billion Trees have partnered with the UP government to expand Miyawaki forests across the state. Miyawaki forests in UP have transformed barren lands into thriving ecosystems, supporting local wildlife and improving soil fertility.

During the Maha Kumbh festival, the UP government used the Miyawaki method to increase green cover and create self-sustaining forests.