Why is it in the news?

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch a unique project focusing on establishing Miyawaki plantations on land parcels located near National Highways in different areas.

About Miyawaki Method

• The Miyawaki method, also referred to as Miyawaki plantations, is a distinct ecological restoration and afforestation technique originating from
• Developed in the 1970s by renowned Japanese botanist and plant ecology expert, Akira Miyawaki, this approach involves planting indigenous trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants in each square meter.

Advantages:

• The primary goal is to create dense, native, and diverse forests rapidly.
• Through this methodology, trees grow ten times quicker and serve as effective sound and dust barriers.
• It contributes to enhancing micro-climatic conditions by improving air and soil quality.
• Additionally, it supports biodiversity conservation, accelerates green cover growth, facilitates efficient carbon absorption, assists in soil revitalization, and aids in establishing habitats for local flora and fauna.
• These forests promote groundwater retention and assist in replenishing the groundwater table.