A Powai space is going to be turned into an urban forest in a pleasing move by civic authorities, green activists and citizens initiative. The BMC has already spoken about how it has earmarked several plots across the city to turn them into mini forests using the Miyawaki method. This method, which originated in Japan, means saplings are planted very close together. They grow densely packed and can turn into a mini forest. This is ideal for Mumbai, a city which is synonymous with space crunch.

The Miyawaki method is going to be adopted by authorities, and they claim they have identified a number of plots across the city where they want to make urban forests. They have also stressed on citizens’ involvement in the Miyawaki forests initiative. It is heartening to see that a real effort to go green is being made and that, too, recognising that community involvement is key in sustainability of these projects.