Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to launch 6th Miyawaki plantation drive to enhance urban green cover

Bhubaneswar: Continuing the green city initiative, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will launch the sixth leg of the Miyawaki plantation drive on Sept 17 at the bamboo instructional farm of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at Ghatikia here.The drive is expected to transform five acres of land into a lush green space with the planting of 15,000 saplings in one go. The effort aims to bolster the city’s green cover, contributing to a healthier urban environment and promoting biodiversity, BMC officials said.“The city forest division will provide guidance and support to ensure successful nurturing of the saplings, while the BMC will allocate necessary resources to sustain the green initiative,” said BMC commissioner Chanchal Rana.The Miyawaki method, known for its high-density plantation and rapid growth, will be employed to plant around 20 varieties of locally grown saplings. These include baula, amla, ouu, mango, shiso, arjun and others, selected for their adaptability and ecological benefits. “The diverse selection is intended to create a robust and self-sustaining ecosystem,” an officer from BMC’s environment wing said.Local volunteers and environment enthusiasts will be part of the plantation drive. “This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the city’s ‘lungs’, enhancing air quality and urban liveability,” Rana added.A month ago, 11,000 saplings of different species were planted using the Miyawaki method. Last year, BMC adopted the Miyawaki plantation and created an urban forest at Patrapada.BMC hopes to ensure the survival of five trees against the loss of one in the next five years. “Besides the Miyawaki method, avenue plantation (roadside) is also being taken up along major roads and by-lanes,” a BMC officer said.