Forest Restoration at Dana Anand Plant at Chakan, Pune

Dana India Pvt Ltd. plant is in MIDC Chakan. Dana India envisioned to restore forest inside their plant premises accessible to their employees.

Forest restoration in a 500 sq m area was carried out with Miyawaki forest restoration technique.

Restoration was planned with the vision of restoration of forest, soil and biodiversity.

Small green pockets in urban areas and in industrial set up are crucial to support biodiversity.

Such small forests act as stepping-stones for bees, birds and other wildlife. Forest restoration is an impactful nature-based initiative in the wake of climate change.

Project Details:

Two available lands were assessed for this forest restoration. The land available inside campus was finalized and restored with forest. Restoration was carried out in a 500 sq m area. For restoration 1000 trees of 133 native, ecologically suitable tree species were selected.

Miyawaki Forest restoration technique–

Miyawaki forest restoration technique is for restoration of degraded land and land devoid of vegetation. After studying and surveying local forest vegetation, native local plant species gets selected for forest restoration. In forest growing technique multi layered forest is created with canopy trees, large trees, medium tree, small trees, shrubs, and climbers. For forest restoration selection of trees is crucial. Forest with diverse species is more resistant to pests and diseases than trees in less diverse, species-poor forests.

Miyawaki Technique advocates replication of local natural forest in density and diversity of species. It supports dense mixed planting to match natural forest systems. As the tree species are selected from local natural forests, the original ecosystem quickly get restored. The technique works on restoring and revival the whole ecosystem.

Selection of trees

Selection of the trees is critical in Miyawaki restoration technique. Native, local, forest species were selected for forest restoration. Native forest trees are strong and are adapted to natural conditions. All of the selected trees have medicinal value, produce fruits, flowers and other NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Produce).

For restoration, trees are also required to provide food and habitat for declining bird-mammals populations. As pressures increase steadily from growing human populations and climate change, it is essential to grow trees which can support biodiversity. Such tree species were also  selected which will be fruiting throughout the year and which will support rich biodiversity down the years. The direct benefits of forest trees on the land are forest products such as fruits and other food products, fodder, medicinal products, shade, and increased moisture in the area. Indirect benefit includes environmental and ecological benefits such as-

1. Increase in water holding capacity of soil
2. Increase in ground water table
3. Cooler microclimatic conditions
4. Absorption of pollutants
5. Maintained soil nutrition
6. Land reclamation
7. Carbon sequestration
8. Increased biodiversity

These native forest trees have been carefully selected with various properties of-

1. Local to the project area
2. Have land reclamation properties
3. Fix nitrogen
4. Medicinal value
5. Have fruits, flowers, and other non-timber tree produce
6. Will support wildlife

Process of Forest restoration

1. Soil collection was done to determine soil fertility, nutrient deficiencies, and potential toxicities, Soil test Report attached as Annexure 1.

2. Land marking was done.

3. Land preparation was carried out with the help of an excavator.

4. Waste dumped in the area was cleared.

5. Compost, moisture retainer and nutrient mixture containing beneficial microbes were added to the soil.

6. Selected plants were delivered on site and sorting of the species was carried out.

7. Plants were placed in prepared areas as per slope, light availability etc.

8. Saplings were provided support by bamboo sticks.

9. Miyawaki forest area was covered with thick hay . This is known as the process of mulching.

Mulching helps in-

1. Retaining moisture in soil thus reduces watering requirements.
2. Reduces the weeds leading to reduced maintenance.

10. Drip irrigation system was installed for watering

11.  DANA team participated enthusiastically during planting of saplings. FORREST team conducted an awareness session during the drive.