Miyawaki forest coming up at Deonar in Govandi

In this method, the trees become self-sustainable and grow to their full length within three years.
To increase the green cover in Mumbai, the BMC has been creating Miyawaki gardens in several areas.

Civic officials said that Govandi was chosen keeping in mind its close proximity to industrial zones.
“Around Govandi and Chembur, there are several refineries and industries. There is also a dumping ground that results in higher temperature and pollution level. Therefore, we plan to set up a Miyawaki forest to help bring down the surface temperature,” a civic official said.

Officials said that approximately 3,500 species of indigenous trees, including 42 species of medicinal plants, will be planted on the land parcel in Deonar village.

“We are aiming towards finishing the plantation drive before monsoon, so that the soil gains fertility during rainfall. Over the next two years, the entire land parcel will be transformed and the increase in green cover will bring down the carbon footprint and local temperature. In the long run, we are planning to create similar forests in available open spaces in this ward,” an official said.

The BMC’s garden cell has been given a target to plant one lakh trees in 16 plots this year through the Miyawaki method. In January, the BMC had issued a circular stating that every upcoming real estate project built on a land parcel of more than 10,000 sq m, will need to reserve 5 per cent of its plot for Miyawaki forest.