NK’s 2nd Miyawaki forest will be grown in Hubballi

Hubballi: Hubballi will get North Karnataka’s second Miyawaki urban forest on Kusugal Road. Named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this method is effective in growing forests in small urban spaces to improve air quality.
Following the success in Dharwad, around 1,200 native tree saplings of 41 species have been planted over the last three days in Hubballi.The project, covering a 50,000sqft garden, is undertaken by the Rajat Ullagaddimath Foundation and Shri Durga Developers and Promoters.
PV Hiremath, CEO of Nature First Eco Village, Halligeri, told STOI that the first Miyawaki forest, which was developed in association with Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation in July 2021, is successful in Shambhavi Nagar, Dharwad. “Now, Ullagaddimath Foundation is sponsoring the planting of forest and has taken maintenance responsibility for the years to come,” he stated.
Foundation president Rajat Ullagaddimath said, Hubballi is turning into a concrete jungle and there is a need for greenery to enhance the quality of life. “A hundred years are required to develop a forest. We neither can neglect urbanisation nor the environment. Hence, we realised that Miyawaki is an amicable way to resolve the issue. We chose the Jayaganga Layout on Kusugal Road to develop a forest on a pilot basis. We are confident that it will be a full-fledged Miyawaki forest in the next 10 years. We are developing it at the cost of Rs 5 lakh with the approval of the HDMC. It will also enhance underground water level in surrounding areas,” he informed.
Veeresh Undi, proprietor of Sri Durga Developers, said: “The saplings of jackfruit, mango, tamarind, mahogany, Indian beech, golden champa and others are being planted.”
“Skilled labourers from Halligeri dug the pits of 2ft and poured green grass, dry paddy grass, cocopeat, vermicompost and dry leaves and planted four saplings in each square metre of the area. We are told that because of the competition amongst the trees, they will grow vertically and fast,” he explained.