An initiative by a group of nature enthusiasts to create urban forests in available private lands using a Japanese afforestation method has reaped its envisaged benefits as the saplings they had planted at Kaniyampoondi in the city nearly eight months ago provides lush green cover now.
Around 5,000 saplings of 84 varieties were planted close to each other for a stretch of half a kilometre by the nature lovers for the creation of natural forest in urban locality using the renowned Miyawaki method, a system developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki,
Now, the saplings have grown big with birds, butterflies and insects started choosing the locality as their habitats.
The varieties planted on the plot include medicinal plants, neem, vembu, nilaivembu, naaval, pomegranate, jack fruit, among few other species including those giving ornamental flowers.
“Plants have grown at a faster pace because of the special treatment given to the soil through application of bio-fertilizers and biodegradable wastes before the saplings were planted. Fortunately, we received rains during the initial days even though many varieties planted here are drought-resistant,” pointed T. Bala, coordinator of the project.
Mr. Bala said steps were under way to plant lime, curry leaves and vegetables in the vacant space available between the stretches where the Miyawaki forest had been set up here.
“We have also recently started similar Miyawaki method now in nearby Puthupalayam village,” he added.
