Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is building the country’s largest Miyawaki forest in the designated Green Belt area on the eastern side of Lake No 11, adjacent to Uttara Diabari Bridge No 4.
DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz inaugurated this afforestation project covering an area of approximately 54 katha in Uttara today.
Alongside the conventional Miyawaki method, modern environmental thinking has been incorporated into this project.
A Miyawaki forest is a method of creating a dense, biodiverse forest in a small space by planting a high density of native trees and shrubs close together.
Approximately 14,000 saplings are being planted in this urban afforestation area, which includes about 225 species of indigenous fruit-bearing, berry, flower, medicinal, timber, ornamental, conifer, shrub, and bushy variety trees.
The project will be implemented based on sensitive spatial design considering biomimicry principles, prioritizing the “Biophilic” concept to strengthen the mutual connection between people and nature.
Artificial hills have been created in this forest area for natural water drainage, and a forest-friendly environment has been prepared by mixing loam soil with a specified amount of vermi-compost, organic fertilizer, bone meal, coco dust, rice husk, and liquid fertilizer.
This afforestation project has incorporated the acclaimed Japanese concept of ‘Shinrin Yoku’ or “Forest Bathing” activities, which will be beneficial for people’s physical and mental health.
Shinrin Yoku a Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature by mindfully using your senses to connect with the forest atmosphere.
Facilities for walking along sloping and winding paths, inside the dense forest, and along the lake shore have been provided.
Dhaka North City Corporation is implementing this urban afforestation in the Green Belt area as per the design specified by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK).
