VIJAYAWADA: At a time when Vijayawada is transforming into a concrete jungle, the AP Urban Greenery and Beautification Corporation Limited (APUGBCL) in collaboration with Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has adopted the ‘Miyawaki’ method of afforestation on 2,000 sq metres of land in Vambay Colony.
As part of the initiative, City Mayor Koneru Sreedhar, Municipal Commissioner J Nivas and APUGBCL Managing Director N Chandra Mohan Reddy planted 2,500 saplings of 150 varieties recently on the land identified near Vambay Colony, adopting Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki’s method which used to be followed during the 1970’s.
According to APUGBCL officials, the Corporation has adopted this method to improve forest cover. As part of the initiative, a variety of saplings acquired from different nurseries were planted in Nimmakuru and Komaravolu villages on a pilot basis. After achieving the desired results, the officials planned to replicate the same at Vambay Colony.
When contacted, VMC assistant director for horticulture Pradeep Kumar said that this was the first time saplings using the Miyawaki method were being planted in Vijayawada. The method involves planting a number of different types of trees close together in a small pit. Usually, planting 2,500 saplings requires at least three to four acres of land. But planting many random trees close together in a small area enrichers green cover. A variety of trees such as Neem, Peepal and Banyan were planted using the method, he said, adding that dip irrigation will be done and organic fertilisers will be used for utilised for improving the forest cover.