In a pioneering move to enhance the forest cover in the coal belt region of Chhattisgarh, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, has announced its adoption of the Miyawaki plantation method. This innovative Japanese technique will be employed in SECL’s Gevra Area, covering two hectares as a pilot project, in collaboration with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN) at an estimated cost of approximately ₹4 crores.
Over the course of two years, SECL aims to plant around 20,000 saplings using the Miyawaki method, incorporating a diverse range of plant species. The plantation will include prominent trees such as Bargad, Peepal, Aam, and Jamun, as well as medium and small plants like Karanj, Amla, Ashok, Kaner, Gudhal, Trikoma, Ber, Anjeer, and Nimbu.
Miyawaki method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, involves densely planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants within every square meter. This technique is particularly well-suited for small land parcels, creating a thick canopy layer of tall trees. The chosen plant species are hardy, requiring minimal maintenance and thriving in challenging weather and water-scarce conditions.
The pilot Miyawaki plantation project in the Gevra mine area, the country’s largest coal mine, is expected to rapidly increase the green cover. The indigenous fruit-bearing, avenue, and ornamental trees selected for the project will not only benefit local communities and wildlife but also play a crucial role in dust particle absorption and surface temperature regulation.
SECL, a major player in coal production in India, is demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation alongside its mining operations. Since its inception, SECL has planted over three crore saplings. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the company has added 475 hectares of land under green cover, planting an impressive 10.77 lakh saplings, the highest among all Coal India subsidiaries.
Highlighting its dedication to environmental stewardship, SECL recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN) and Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (MPRVVN). This five-year initiative, spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28, includes the plantation of saplings with subsequent maintenance for four years for each consecutive year, at an estimated cost of ₹169 crores.
