Lahore to have 12 Miyawaki-inspired urban forests

Lahore: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) recently announced its plan to create 12 urban forests in the city by utilizing the Japanese Miyawaki method, according to news sources.

This Miyawaki method of afforestation involves the plantation of a number of varying native trees in a small pit. It has been discovered that due to close plantation of random trees in close proximity, the green cover of the said area is richer and reinforces the richness of the land. These forests grow faster and become maintenance free after the first three years. This method was discovered by the renowned Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.

Read: First phase of ‘Karachi Urban Forest’ project kicks off

According to an estimate, the Miyawaki method of afforestation can ensure 10 times faster plant growth and 30 times denser plantation.

Reportedly, the work on four Miyawaki forests in Lahore has already been launched. These four Miyawaki urban forestation projects are located at:

1. Botanical Gardens Jallo — where a total of 1,700 different saplings were planted on an area of 1.5 kanals
2. Greater Iqbal Park — where 2,550 saplings were planted on an area of 2.25 kanals
3. Faisal Town (C-Block) Park — where over 1,350 trees were planted
4. Quainchi stop — where over 1,000 trees were planted

Read: Zameen.com, Izhar-Monnoo Developers inaugurate Miyawaki urban forest in Liberty

Director General PHA Lahore Muzaffar Khan confirmed the news, and said that based on climatic conditions, 16 species of trees were going to be planted in these planned urban forests.