Delhi’s Miyawaki forests: A green solution or an ecological misstep?

In the 2025-2026 budget, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) allocated a mere 2.3% of its total Rs 17,000 crore to the horticulture department, unveiling plans to develop five additional Miyawaki forests in the national capital.

However, experts and local residents are sceptical, with some pointing to the lack of success of the eight Miyawaki forests already established by the MCD. Critics argue that the initiative, which replaces native tree species with flora from other states, disrupts Delhi’s natural ecosystem rather than enhancing it.

MCD’s defence of Miyawaki method

MCD officials have defended the decision to expand the Miyawaki project, stating that the initial forests have shown success. They also highlighted the benefits of Miyawaki forests in reducing urban pollution and increasing green cover. These forests are spread across various locations in Delhi, including Dallupura village, DDA quarters near Dilshad Colony, Karawal Nagar, Nand Nagri, Seelampur, Keshavpuram, Rohini’s Prashant Vihar, and others.

A senior MCD official familiar with the initiative spoke to Patriot about the benefits of the Miyawaki method: “The Miyawaki technique promotes rapid tree growth, fostering denser forests that help reduce dust and improve carbon dioxide absorption. In this approach, saplings are planted close together—three to five per square metre—with heights ranging between one to three feet.”

“Additionally, 20 to 50 different species are introduced into each patch. After one to two years, the forests require minimal maintenance, making them a sustainable solution for urban greenery,” the official added.

Regarding accessibility, the official explained that the MCD aims to ensure these green spaces are user-friendly: “Many of these parks are located near residential areas, and we want the public to engage with them. We’re adding designated seating and walking areas to encourage use and support their upkeep.”

To improve plant survival rates, the MCD is applying advanced horticultural techniques, such as adjusting planting distances, increasing soil depth, and ensuring regular monitoring and nourishment.

“We are prioritising indigenous species like pilkhan, arjun, banyan, jamun, neem, guava, and mango to maintain ecological balance,” the official said.

The MCD is sourcing saplings from its 20 nurseries and promoting fresh plantations to ensure a steady supply.

“Before establishing a Miyawaki forest, we conduct thorough site inspections, followed by soil testing and revitalisation using natural processes. Based on test results, we carefully select biomass to mix with the soil to create optimal conditions for plant growth,” the official explained.

Residents voice concerns

Local residents have expressed disappointment with the Miyawaki initiative, with many believing the project is a waste of money and effort. Khushi Mehrotra, a resident of Seelampur, remarked, “Instead of blindly following the Miyawaki method, they should have planted trees suited to Delhi’s environment. Many of the exotic trees planted here are struggling to survive, and the entire project seems like a waste.”

“These so-called Miyawaki forests were meant to bring greenery, but all we see is a dense, unmanaged jungle that looks neglected. The trees are planted too close together, and many are drying up due to a lack of proper care,” Mehrotra added.

Nikhil Yadav, a resident of G Block in Rohini’s Prashant Vihar, said, “The authorities claimed these forests would improve air quality, but they have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests. With no proper maintenance, they are turning into dumping grounds instead of serving as green lungs for the city.”

“We were told that these forests would make the area cooler and more liveable, but in reality, they have become havens for stray animals and illegal activities at night. There is no security, and the dense plantations make it unsafe to walk nearby,” Yadav continued.

Experts’ criticism

Experts have also raised concerns about the MCD’s plans to develop five more Miyawaki forests. They argue that the focus is more on boasting impressive numbers, such as “one million trees planted,” than on adopting a thoughtful, ecologically sound approach.

They emphasise the importance of prioritising native trees, shrubs, and herbs with appropriate spacing rather than blindly following the Miyawaki method.

Environmentalist Bhavreen Khandhari criticised the drive, saying, “Governments and profit-driven organisations love big, impressive figures like ‘one million trees planted.’ The Miyawaki method makes it easier to achieve such targets within a small area, which is why it has gained popularity.”

“But the focus should shift from counting trees to actual habitat restoration—an entirely different and much longer journey,” Khandhari added.

Khandhari further argued, “The reality is that money flows into plantation drives because they offer tangible, measurable outcomes. Protecting existing trees or restoring ecosystems, though equally important, often struggles to attract funding.”

“Rather than blindly adopting Miyawaki, we should plant native trees, shrubs, and herbs with proper spacing, allowing them to grow naturally without the extreme competition that Miyawaki forests impose,” Khandhari concluded.

“Not only is Miyawaki significantly more expensive than traditional afforestation, but it also contradicts fundamental ecological principles. High-density plantations may look good on paper, but they prioritise quantity over quality, which conservationists find deeply flawed. A true forest is not just a cluster of trees; it is a balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem,” Khandhari added.

Vijay Dhasmana, another environmentalist, explained that while Miyawaki forests have become a popular trend in Delhi, they often feature the same few trees—such as neem, banyan, jamun, and others—that do not naturally belong to the region’s ecosystem.

“Forests don’t appear overnight; they evolve over thousands of years, adapting to specific climate and soil conditions,” Dhasmana noted. “Delhi’s natural micro-habitats, like the Kohi region, once had a well-balanced mix of species like Doodhi, Barna, Ronjh, and a variety of shrubs. These ecosystems developed through natural selection and environmental harmony.”

Dhasmana also pointed out that high-density planting, including exotic species like Subabool and Gulmohar, disrupts the region’s natural balance.

“These artificially created patches often require continuous irrigation because they are not suited to Delhi’s dry climate. In many cases, these forests struggle to sustain themselves without human intervention,” he said.

“Instead of blindly following the Miyawaki method, we should focus on restoring Delhi’s lost forest patches with truly native species like Dhok, Doodhi, Jaal, Barna, Dhak, Bistendu, Roheda, and Kaim—species that once thrived in Delhi’s landscape but are now becoming rare,” Dhasmana concluded.

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Dhasmana further argued that long-term studies on Miyawaki forests have shown no significant advantages in terms of growth rates or carbon sequestration.
“In fact, these forests consume nearly 100 times more resources than traditional afforestation methods,” he said.

“They often become dominated by a few aggressive species, which outcompete and eliminate less hardy trees, leading to a loss of biodiversity. If we truly want to restore Delhi’s green cover sustainably, we must adopt a scientific approach that respects the natural evolution of forests rather than forcing an artificial one.”