Pune: The Pune forest department is set to develop a Miyawaki forest on a one-hectare plot along NIBM Road, in collaboration with the Anandvan Foundation, as part of a broader push to strengthen urban biodiversity through dense, native plantations.The initiative comes even as earlier tree removal at the site had raised concerns among residents.Explaining the approach, botanist Bhupesh Sharma, co-founder of the Anandvan Foundation, said the Miyawaki method is designed to create dense, multi-layered forests in small urban spaces.“The method was originally developed in Japan. In this, instead of widely spaced trees, we plant saplings closer together so that they compete for sunlight and grow faster and taller,” Sharma said.He said the method mimics natural forest structure, with shrubs, medium-height trees and taller species growing together, enabling forests to establish quickly and become self-sustaining.At the site beside the Bramha Majestic housing society, gliricidia plantations since the 1990s have helped enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen. “Now that the soil is healthier, we are transitioning to native species such as karanj, kanchan, amla, and others that truly support local biodiversity. These species attract birds like sunbirds and sparrows and help restore ecological balance,” Sharma said.He also explained how this shift could influence wildlife movement.“Gliricidia leaves act as a natural rat repellent, driving rodents away from the area and into nearby residential societies. Snakes, which prey on these rats, tend to follow them in search of food. By replacing gliricidia with native plant species, the habitat becomes more suitable for rats to remain within the forested area. This, in turn, keeps their predators, including snakes, within that ecosystem, reducing their movement into surrounding residential neighbourhoods,” Sharma said.Detailing the planting process, Suresh Warak, RFO Wanowrie, said, “We are currently preparing the plot for the Miyawaki plantation by loosening and enriching the soil. The plantation will follow a layered approach, using compost, rice husk and moisture-retaining materials to ensure strong and sustainable growth. We will begin plantation work with the arrival of the monsoon, likely in late June.”He added, “Citizens will be invited to participate, because building and protecting such forests requires collective responsibility and long-term commitment.”Warak also noted that similar projects are being planned across multiple locations in the city, including another plot in Kondhwa towards Undri.
