Coal India’s arm South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) will use a popular Japanese technology in its operational areas “to increase forest cover in the coalfields of Chhattisgarh”. The two-hectare Miyawaki Forest will witness a pilot project in collaboration with the corporation. The Miyawaki method, introduced by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants within every square metre. This technology, suitable for small plots of land, creates a dense canopy layer of tall trees, allowing rapid growth of green cover.
Pilot Project Details
- The Gevra area pilot project aims to plant about 20,000 saplings using Miyawaki technology over a two-year period.
- The plantation will include various species like Banyan, Peepal, Mango, Jamun (large plants), Karanj, Amla, Ashoka (medium plants), and Kaner, Hibiscus, Trichoma, Ber, Anjeer, Nimbu (small plants).
Benefits for local communities and wildlife
- The initiative is expected to increase the green cover around the Gevra mine, India’s largest coal mine, which will benefit local communities and wildlife.
- The indigenous species selected for Miyawaki plantations require minimal maintenance, can withstand harsh weather and water-scarce conditions, and contribute to the rapid growth of green cover.
Environmental impact and dust regulation
- SECL’s Miyawaki Forest Project is envisioned to play an important role in absorbing dust particles and controlling surface temperatures.
- This initiative is in line with SECL’s commitment to environmental protection and reducing the impact of mining activities.