Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to develop Miyawaki mini-forests in two parks in Rajiv Nagar, a densely populated locality in the Narasimharaja assembly constituency, with the aim of increasing green cover, improving the urban environment, and mitigating rising temperatures.The project will be implemented using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, with around 30,000 saplings proposed for planting across the two parks. The mini-forests are planned over a combined area of approximately one acre.The Miyawaki technique, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting a large number of native tree species close together to create dense, multi-layered forests in relatively small spaces. The method promotes rapid growth and helps establish self-sustaining green ecosystems.The MCC had earlier experimented with the Miyawaki model in parks at Dattagalli and Vijayanagar III Stage. At a four-acre park in Vijayanagar III Stage, one acre was earmarked for a Miyawaki forest with technical and financial support through CSR funding. TKAP implemented the project and, after the site was handed over in Aug 2024 with water and electricity connections, planted more than 12,000 saplings representing nearly 38 native species. The company has also undertaken maintenance of the plantation for three years as part of its CSR initiative.MCC commissioner MK Savitha said the corporation was adopting the Miyawaki model in parks where conventional maintenance was difficult. “Wherever maintaining parks is challenging, we plan to plant fast-growing, low-water-consuming species, including medicinal plants and other suitable varieties. These plantations will create dense greenery, require less water, and reduce the maintenance burden. They will also enhance green cover and improve the quality of the urban environment,” she said.Savitha said the positive response to the 2024-25 initiative had encouraged the corporation to continue with the model. Two additional mini-forests were developed under CSR funding during 2025-26, and two more parks in Rajiv Nagar have been identified for similar projects in the 2026-27 financial year.Naturalist MK Sapthagirish welcomed the MCC’s Miyawaki initiative but stressed the need to prioritise native trees and plants that support local birds and wildlife.“Urban biodiversity is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem and promoting the natural propagation of vegetation. Wherever conventional landscaping is difficult to maintain, the MCC can develop mini-forests using native species,” he said.He added that the civic body should gradually expand the initiative across the city while avoiding exotic species that do not support local biodiversity.
