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| Last Updated::20/09/2024

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Plantation Drive to create “Matri Van” using the Miyawaki Technique Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad

 

Date | 19th September 2024:

In celebration of Ozone Week 2024 along with Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024, the EIACP Programme Centre (RP) at Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with the Horticulture Section, O/o Dean (Infrastructure) and the Centre of Societal Mission (CSM), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad organized a transformative plantation drive on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at the 180 quarters of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad Campus. This initiative, under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, focused on creating a sustainable “Matri Van” using the Miyawaki Technique, a plantation method that our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had mentioned in his 102nd edition of Mann Ki Baat in June 2023.

 

The plantation drive was inaugurated by Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director of IIT (ISM), along with his wife madam, Smt. Sakuntala Mishra, amidst the presence of other distinguished attendees like Mr. Prabodh Pandey - Registrar, IIT (ISM); Prof. Amit Rai Dixit - Dean (Infrastructure); Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta - Dean (Student Welfare); Prof. Alok Sinha – HOD, Department of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP); Prof. Suresh Pandian – Associate Professor, Dept. of ESE & Co-Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP); and Prof. Sanjeev Sahu - Head, CSM, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

 

During the event, Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, emphasized the critical importance of plantation drives in fostering a sustainable environment. Addressing the students, Prof. Mishra highlighted the significance of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024, stressing how the transformation of a former dump waste site with invasive weeds into a thriving Matri Van under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign stands as a powerful example of environmental restoration. Prof. Mishra explained how such initiatives not only contribute to improving air quality and mitigating climate change but also instil a deeper sense of environmental responsibility. Prof. Mishra encouraged the students to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts, stating that these actions are crucial for ensuring a greener future for generations to come. He also reiterated that the small steps taken today, like planting a tree, will have a lasting positive impact on the planet.

 

The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from 80 students from various colleges of Dhanbad, Research Scholars of Dept. of ESE, esteemed faculty members and staff of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, resulting in the planting of 250 saplings. The saplings planted included native forest species like Teak (Tectona grandis), Semal (Bombax ceiba), and Karanj (Millettia pinnata), as well as sericulture host plants such as Mulberry (Morusalba), Som (Persea bombycina), Soalu (Litsea monopetela), and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), aligning with the Ministry of Textiles and the Central Silk Board’s efforts to expand sericulture host plantations, in order to promote the silk industry and help preserve sericulture practices while also contributing towards environmental conservation, and promotion of biodiversity.

 

This plantation drive, part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign—an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)—was organized by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad under the directives of the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, and the MoEF&CC, is more than just an environmental initiative. It reflects a collective commitment to securing a sustainable future through community-driven conservation efforts. The creation of the “Matri Van” symbolizes not only a physical transformation of the landscape but also a deeper connection between people and nature. This initiative stands as a model for urban reforestation, highlighting how we can transform small, underutilized spaces into thriving green ecosystems—a crucial step in mitigating the environmental impacts of urbanization. The success of this event inspires hope for similar efforts in the future, showing that through collaboration and community participation, we can make tangible strides toward a greener, more sustainable world. The organizing committee members, Prof. Amit Rai Dixit - Dean (Infrastructure); Prof. Alok Sinha – HOD, Department of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP); Prof. Suresh Pandian – Associate Professor, Dept. of ESE & Co-Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP); along with Dr. Dhiraj Kumar, Horticulture Officer, Horticulture Section and Mr. Bishwajit Das, Programme Officer, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, meticulously oversaw all the arrangements for this impactful event, ensuring smooth coordination and successful execution.

 

 

About Miyawaki Plantation Method:

 

The Miyawaki Planting Method, named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves planting two to four different types of native trees per square metre. This method was developed in the 1970s, the original objective of which was to densify green cover in a small piece of land. The principle behind this technique is to densify green cover in a compact space by planting a mix of native tree species close to one another, fostering rapid growth and biodiversity. This creates self-sustaining forests in as little as 20-30 years—far quicker than traditional methods, which can take over a century.
(Source: DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10680.93441).

 

Advantages of Miyawaki Planting:

 

  • Fast Growth: Trees grow up to 10 times faster than those planted conventionally.
  • High Density: Miyawaki Method of tree plantation is 30 times denser. Multiple species planted close together lead to dense forestation, boosting biodiversity and reducing the need for maintenance (“No maintenance is the best maintenance” for Miyawaki method of afforestation).
  • Resilience: Miyawaki forests are self-sustaining, due to dense plant growth. This will also allow young trees to protect each other and block sunlight from hitting the forest’s ground, reducing external threats like preventing parasitic plant growth.
  • Urban Application: This method is highly suited for urban environments, where limited space is a challenge, but the need for green spaces is urgent to combat the effects of climate change and pollution.

 

Limitations:

 

  • Initial Effort: While it’s efficient long-term, the initial setup requires significant resources, including the careful selection of tree species and meticulous planting techniques.
  • Space Requirements: Despite being space-efficient, finding even small plots in dense urban landscapes can be challenging.
  • Maintenance in Early Stages: In the first few years, watering and protection from invasive species are essential.
  • Cost: Planting costs are quite expensive because of the high plant density, site preparation and labour requirement is considered. It may cost up to ₹ 300 to ₹ 350 per sq. ft. of a planting area

 

Why Miyawaki in Urban Landscapes?

 

In cities dominated by concrete jungles, the Miyawaki method offers an excellent solution to regenerate green spaces and restore balance to the urban ecosystem. These forests not only improve air quality and reduce urban heat island effects but also serve as vital sanctuaries for urban wildlife, increasing biodiversity. Additionally, they offer residents aesthetic and psychological benefits, providing green oases amidst urban sprawl.

 

 

 

 

Glimpses of Plantation Drive to create “Matri Van” using the Miyawaki Technique
under the “Ek ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign.

 

Inauguration of the Plantation Drive by Prof. Sukumar Mishra – Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

 

Inauguration of the Plantation Drive by Smt. Sakuntala Mishra.

 


Group Photo along with Director, IIT(ISM) during the Plantation Drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign on 19.09.2024.

 


Plantation by Mr. Prabodh Pandey - Registrar, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.

Plantation by Prof. Alok Sinha – HOD, Department of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.

 


Plantation by Prof. Amit Rai Dixit - Dean (Infrastructure), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.

Plantation by Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta - Dean (Student Welfare), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.

 


Plantation by Prof. Suresh Pandian – Associate Professor, Dept. of ESE & Co-Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.

Plantation by Participants.

 

Plantation by Students, Research Scholars, Faculty Members and Staffs.

 

Plantation by Students, Research Scholars, Faculty Members and Staffs.

 

Plantation by Students, Research Scholars, Faculty Members and Staffs.

 

Plantation by Students, Research Scholars, Faculty Members and Staffs.

 


Group Photo

 


Before: The site while being prepared for Plantation.
Date: 12.09.2024

After: The site during Plantation drive to create Matri Van.
Date: 19.09.2024

 

 

 

Newspaper Clipping

 


(Source: बिहार ऑबजर्वर; Dt: 20.09.2024)