NEWS – NHAI aims to increase green cover along National Highways. NHAI’s initiative involves Miyawaki plantations on land adjacent to highways

HIGHLIGHTS

Identification of Land Parcels

• Over 53 acres identified around Delhi-NCR.
• Specific sites include Haryana’s Dwarka Expressway, Delhi-Vadodara Expressway, NH 152D corridors, NH-709B, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and NH-34.

Implementation

• Ground preparation ongoing at selected sites.
• Plantation scheduled during upcoming monsoon, to be completed by Aug 2024.

Miyawaki Method Overview

• Japanese approach for ecological restoration and afforestation.
• Aims for dense, native, and biodiverse forests in a short time.
• Retains groundwater, acts as sound and dust barrier, and enables faster tree growth.
• Focuses on indigenous species adaptable to local climate and soil
• Founded by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
• Developed in the 1980s, plants multiple species densely in a small area.
• Creates denser forests with mixed plant varieties in a short time frame.

Benefits of Miyawaki Plantations

• Contributes to a resilient ecosystem.
• Improves micro-climatic conditions, air, and soil quality.
• Supports biodiversity conservation and habitat creation.
• Facilitates efficient carbon absorption and soil restoration.