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Debate over Miyawaki plan on Delhi's Central Ridge
Delhi's forest department floated a high-density Miyawaki forest proposal for 10 acres along Central Ridge, planning 100,000-150,000 saplings with three-year maintenance. Critics warn the method may not suit the Ridge's natural ecosystem and raise concerns about water use and cost. The plan outlines dense planting, multiple native species, mulching and soil enrichment, sparking a dispute between afforestation efforts and restoration ecology.
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions between urban afforestation approaches and ecological restoration principles, with implications for how Delhi balances biodiversity aims, water use, and the ecological character of a key ridge.
Timeline
5 Events
Aravalli context and call for proper restoration approach
May 9, 2026
The expert noted that since the Central Ridge is part of the Aravalli hill range, ecological restoration is the only way to establish a functional ecosystem, and any intervention should begin with studying the ecological history of the site and identifying reference ecosystems before planning.
Expert cautions on conflating afforestation with restoration
May 9, 2026
Another ecological restoration expert stated that the proposal conflates afforestation with restoration ecology, adding that Miyawaki cannot be seen as ecological restoration and, at best, is a form of afforestation based on high-density plantations using a few fast-growing species.
Criticism from Pradip Krishen on ecological restoration
May 9, 2026
Tree expert and author Pradip Krishen said Miyawaki plantations could not be equated with ecological restoration, noting that they do not resemble the natural habitat of Delhi’s Ridge and that the approach is water-intensive and hugely expensive.
Miyawaki method details and maintenance
May 9, 2026
The document describes using the Miyawaki method, featuring 25–40 native species planted in multiple layers along with shrubs, extensive mulching, irrigation and soil enrichment measures, and stipulates that the selected agency will maintain the plantation for three years.
RFP floated for Miyawaki forest on Central Ridge
May 9, 2026
The West Forest Division issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a high-density Miyawaki forest across 10 acres of the Central Ridge along Sardar Patel Marg. The plan calls for planting 100,000–150,000 saplings at a density of 3–5 plants per square metre after removing invasive species such as vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora) and lantana, with an estimated cost of ₹5 crore and a three-year maintenance requirement.