JAMMU: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Division Jammu, on Wednesday launched a major Miyawaki plantation drive at the Botanical Garden located behind Tawi Wonderland Park at Bhagwati Nagar.
The initiative marks another step in the transformation of the site, which was once used as a legacy waste dumpsite. JMC said the accumulated waste was scientifically processed and the land reclaimed for redevelopment into public spaces, including Tawi Wonderland Park and the Botanical Garden.
As part of the drive, more than 2,200 saplings of native and ornamental species, including Peepal, Banyan, Hibiscus and Ashoka, were planted across the area.
The plantation is being undertaken under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) using the Miyawaki method, which is designed to create dense, multi-layered forests in limited urban spaces.
Unlike conventional plantation techniques, the Miyawaki method involves planting diverse species close together to promote faster growth and development of self-sustaining green ecosystems.
JMC said such urban forests can help improve air quality, reduce localised temperatures, enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecological resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav said the Bhagwati Nagar site was being developed with a broader vision of creating a sustainable urban eco-space for residents.
He said the area is expected to undergo a major transformation by the end of the year, with plans for a dedicated water body, walking tracks, landscaped green zones and recreational spaces.
Dr Yadav said the project reflected JMC’s commitment to sustainable urban development and demonstrated how environmentally degraded land could be reclaimed and converted into a valuable public asset.
The plantation drive was attended by the Joint Commissioner (Health & Sanitation), Joint Commissioner (Revenue & Enforcement) and Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry Division Jammu.
The IEC team of JMC, along with technical partner Swaaha, also participated in awareness and community engagement activities.
Students and volunteers from various schools and colleges joined the plantation programme, reflecting growing youth participation in environmental conservation.
JMC said the initiative forms part of its sustained efforts to expand urban green cover and strengthen Jammu city’s response to air pollution and rising temperatures.
The Miyawaki forest at Bhagwati Nagar is expected to emerge as an important ecological asset and a green lung for the city, while also showcasing the transformation of a former waste site into a sustainable public landscape.
