Bhubaneswar: As temperatures in Odisha’s capital soar to a scorching 46°C, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is turning to an innovative Japanese technique—Miyawaki forests—to restore the city’s vanishing green cover. With rapid urbanization eating into natural spaces, the BMC plans to plant 40,000 trees across 15 locations this year using the Miyawaki method, which creates dense, fast-growing urban forests in small areas.
Why Miyawaki?
Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this technique involves planting native species close together, mimicking a natural forest ecosystem. Unlike traditional plantations (1,600 trees per hectare), Miyawaki forests can accommodate up to 8,000 trees per hectare, making them ideal for space-constrained cities.
Success of Pilot Projects
After successfully testing the method at six sites in 2024 (with 20,000 saplings), the BMC has identified 15 new locations, including:
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Nayapalli Hajj area
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Patrapada
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Kalinga Nagar (K-6)
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APJ School
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Kalinga Studio
Species like neem, banyan, jamun, bael, kadamba, mango, peepal, jackfruit, and karanja have been chosen for their biodiversity benefits. Early assessments show Miyawaki trees grow 1.5 to 2 feet taller than traditionally planted ones.
Environmental & Climate Benefits
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Reduces urban heat by creating microclimates
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Improves air quality by absorbing CO₂ and dust
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Enhances groundwater recharge
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Low maintenance after initial establishment
Public Participation Key to Success
The BMC, in collaboration with the Odisha Forest Development Corporation, is ensuring long-term care through fencing, organic manure, and regular watering. Citizens are being urged to participate by planting trees near homes, offices, and roadsides.
Similar pilot projects have also been launched in Nabarangpur, Dhenkanal, and Nayagarh. With rising concrete jungles worsening the heat crisis, Bhubaneswar’s Miyawaki initiative could be a blueprint for greener, cooler Indian cities.
“We want to reverse the trend of deforestation by creating dense, native forests that thrive in small spaces,” said BMC Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
As Odisha battles extreme heat, these mini forests may offer a much-needed breath of fresh air.
