On June 5, the world will celebrate Environment Day. This year, Gujarat is taking a significant step in environmental protection through its ‘Van Kavach’ initiative. The state aims to create dense forests using the Japanese Miyawaki method across 400 hectares. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged this method to achieve local environmental goals and net-zero carbon emissions. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has successfully implemented this initiative. The Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki, focuses on growing dense forests quickly in small areas. The state government has embraced this technique to create ‘Van Kavach’ in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The ‘Van Kavach’ initiative plays a crucial role in purifying the air by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It also supports various flora and fauna and creates new job opportunities for farmers in rural areas. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Gujarat prepared ‘Van Kavach’ in 85 locations, covering 100 hectares. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the state plans to expand this to 200 hectares across 122 locations. By 2025-26, the target will increase to 400 hectares. This ambitious plan showcases Gujarat’s commitment to a greener future and sustainable development.
The Miyawaki method involves planting 10,000 native saplings per hectare, spaced one meter apart. This results in a dense forest that grows ten times faster than traditional methods and is 30 times denser. The close planting encourages competition for sunlight, leading to rapid growth and creating a large canopy. This dense cover helps control weeds and retains moisture in the soil, improving plant health. Importantly, trees grown through this method absorb more carbon than traditional forests and reduce pollution in the environment. While traditional forests take centuries to mature, ‘Van Kavach’ transforms into a dense forest in just 20 to 30 years.
In addition to environmental benefits, the ‘Van Kavach’ initiative promotes social connections and eco-tourism. It features forest huts, playgrounds for children, and picnic spots, helping to raise awareness about the importance of trees and biodiversity. These dense forests provide habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals, thus preserving biodiversity. Moreover, some farmers are benefiting economically from using the Miyawaki method.
Gujarat’s ‘Van Kavach’ initiative serves as an inspiring example for other states. The Miyawaki method allows trees to grow even in barren or degraded land, accelerating the state’s efforts in environmental protection. Local authorities are allocating land and resources for developing Miyawaki forests. The ‘Van Kavach’ initiative spans from Ahmedabad to Surat, enhancing air quality and raising environmental awareness.
Gujarat has positioned itself as a leader in urban forestry, demonstrating that cities can also become greener with commitment and innovative approaches. As we approach World Environment Day, the state’s efforts remind us of the importance of taking action to protect our environment. This year’s theme for World Environment Day is ‘Ecosystem Restoration,’ highlighting the need to restore our planet’s ecosystems. Gujarat’s initiatives align with this global call to action, making the state a pioneer in environmental sustainability. As we celebrate this day, let us all work together to protect our planet for future generations.
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