Anantnag, March 28: Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College (GDC) Anantnag are spearheading the development of a 'Tiny Forest' (Miyawaki Forest) on their campus in collaboration with the Social Forestry Division Anantnag.
The partnership aims to bolster environmental preservation efforts amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
The college is planting Cedrus deodar trees across some 5600 square feet area, following a method called Miyawaki Forest. This method, created by a Japanese botanist named Akira Miyawaki, aims to restore degraded land by densely planting native trees and plants.
The project was inaugurated three years ago by Prof. Muzafar Ahmad Bhat, Principal of GDC Boys Anantnag.
Principal Bhat, told Rising Kashmir, that there were challenges of low survival rates for annually planted saplings, prompting the signing of an MoU with Social Forestry three years ago to establish a tiny forest—a global trend gaining momentum.
He said that deforestation in Kashmir over the years has exacerbated climate change and other issues” he said.
Prof Bhat drew parallels with the practice in the USA of cultivating forest patches within residential areas to counter these challenges.
“Every individual should partake in developing tiny forests for future generations' benefit. We are committed to environmental preservation and aspire to see this tradition thrive,” Prop Bhat added.
He further said that the project is being developed by Department of Botany in collaboration with the Department of Social Forestry, Division Anantnag.
Gazala Abdulla, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Social Forestry, Anantnag & Kulgam, expressed gratitude to Principal GDC Boys Anantnag for their sustained support in the three-year plantation drive for the tiny forest. She said that this initiative is commendable, and they encourage other institutions to follow suit.
DFO Gazalla said that they involve students more as they play a pivotal role in societal initiatives. “We have a plan to plant four lakh saplings, which is slated for completion within the week,” she added.