What once stood as a barren, sun-scorched patch of earth beside the Zilla Parishad School in Chikhalgaon has now transformed into a vibrant forest teeming with life, color, and hope. This transformation is the result of a unique collaboration between Atlas Copco, CYDA, and the local community, breathing new life into a forgotten space through the power of the Miyawaki plantation technique. Led on the ground by Supada Bochare, CYDA’s Block Coordinator for Mulshi, this initiative is not only reviving the natural environment but also reshaping the minds and aspirations of the village.
Despite the common belief that villages are inherently green, Chikhalgaon’s schoolyard told a different story. Years of deforestation, changing land use, and neglect had rendered the space lifeless. It lacked not only vegetation but also the vibrancy that greenery brings—shade, cool breezes, chirping birds, and buzzing bees. The land had become a hot, dry zone with poor soil quality, unable to retain water or support biodiversity. For the students of the school, this was more than just an environmental issue; it was a missed opportunity for connection, exploration, and learning.
Recognizing this gap, CYDA identified the schoolyard as an ideal site to implement the Miyawaki method—a revolutionary afforestation approach developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. Unlike traditional planting techniques, the Miyawaki method involves high-density planting of native species to restore natural ecosystems in a much shorter time. The project’s goal was not simply to plant trees, but to create a resilient, self-sustaining forest that could improve biodiversity, combat climate change, and provide a living laboratory for students and the community.
Before planting could begin, the project team faced several challenges. The soil was severely degraded, with low organic content and poor drainage. Invasive species had overtaken much of the area. Step by step, the team cleared the land, improved the soil’s health, and carefully selected more than a dozen native plant species. The community was involved at every stage—students, teachers, Gram Panchayat members, and local villagers came together with shared enthusiasm, driven by the vision of creating a green oasis.
On 21st December 2024, the dusty land became a hub of joyful energy. Children and elders alike took part in digging, planting, and watering, symbolizing not just physical labor but emotional investment in the land. A total of 310 native saplings were planted, representing every layer of a natural forest—from ground cover like turmeric and lily, to sub-trees such as lemon and vetiver, to towering canopy species like jackfruit, bamboo, and teak. Each sapling was placed in close proximity to another, mimicking the density of wild forests and encouraging inter-species growth dynamics.
In the months following the plantation, the transformation has been remarkable. Tree height has nearly doubled, with some reaching over eight feet. The soil retains moisture better, and the microclimate around the school has noticeably cooled. Fruit-bearing trees have already begun to blossom, offering not just environmental benefits but also small rewards for the community. Birds and butterflies have started to return, signaling the reawakening of local biodiversity.
More than just an environmental success, the project has become a catalyst for education and awareness. For the students of ZP School, the forest is no longer a distant concept—it is part of their everyday life. They observe seasonal changes, track plant growth, and understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems in a deeply personal way. Environmental science has stepped out of textbooks and into their hands. Inspired by the results, the Gram Panchayat is now planning to replicate the Miyawaki model in other parts of the village.
The Miyawaki plantation in Chikhalgaon is more than a green patch of land—it is a living symbol of resilience, collaboration, and hope. What began as an effort to restore a schoolyard has blossomed into a movement, reconnecting people with nature and sowing the seeds of a sustainable future. Through this initiative, Atlas Copco and CYDA have shown that with commitment and community spirit, even the driest land can be turned into a thriving forest—and even the smallest hands can shape a greener tomorrow.
