Jhansi: Jhansi Division of North Central Railway, in collaboration with the forest department, has planted around 1.15 lakh saplings across 3.39 hectares of the railway land using Miyawaki method.The Miyawaki technique involves planting native species at high density in small areas to create diverse and dense forests in a relatively short period.CPRO Shivam Sharma said, under the project, around 32,000 saplings have been planted over 1.30 hectares at RPF TA Camp, while another 83,000 saplings have been planted over 2.09 hectares near the Electric Loco Shed in Jhansi.“The project was taken up following a memorandum of understanding signed between Railways and Forest department on Jan 28. Around 35 native, medicinal and environmentally significant species, including Neem, Peepal, Jamun, Arjun, Mahua, Banyan, Sheesham, Ashoka, Bel, Tulsi, Ashwagandha and Lemongrass, have been included in the plantations”, Sharma said. Forest department will be responsible for maintaining the plantations for four years, said the officials.The Miyawaki model is particularly suited to railway premises and other urban locations where availability of land is limited. By converting unused or underutilised plots into dense green patches, the initiative could also help moderate the local microclimate and increase vegetation cover.Besides, the Jhansi division is also developing green areas at railway stations, office complexes, colonies and other premises. Officials said that a wider plan is also being prepared to identify other suitable locations in the division for similar plantations. The focus is on creating long-term green spaces that can contribute to biodiversity conservation, cleaner surroundings and a more sustainable urban environment.“Efforts are aimed at creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable environment for present and future generations”, Sharma added.
