Earlier this February, I had the opportunity to consult at Jindal Saw township in Kosi, located near my hometown, Palwal (Haryana). It was my first visit to such a large township (50 acre+), and I was truly struck by the vastness of these projects.
The scale of space allocation and the deliberate township planning can feel overwhelming at first. However, for town planners, these spaces are truly a dream come true. Unlike cities and towns in India, which grow and evolve unpredictably over decades, a township provides clarity—you know the exact land area, the expected population, and the economic blueprint from the start.
When we talk about introducing greenery at the government level, especially sustainable and low-maintenance solutions such as Miyawaki forests, the challenges are often compounded by bureaucracy and uncertain land use. Industrial townships, on the other hand, have an incredible advantage: control. With foresight and intention, they can integrate functioning green spaces like Miyawaki forests easily and effectively.
In the Jindal township, I was impressed by the vast tracts already allocated for Miyawaki plantations, though execution has unique local challenges—for example, monkeys interfaring and harming the young plants.
This message is for anyone with the intention to greenify their large green spaces but who may feel daunted by obstacles.
Every problem, if anticipated and planned for has a solution.
Are monkeys causing destruction? Choose resilient, less attractive native species.
Is the soil poor? Build rich layers artificially using organic additions.
Facing issues with cattle grazing? Again, the right plant palette and protection strategies can minimize losses.
Townships, existing and new ones are often in dusty, deserted areas but they have an immense opportunity to create green oases. Sustainable forest plantation solutions not only improve air and water quality but also address the heat island effect and promote biodiversity—making the environment healthier and life more pleasant for all residents.
Among the many well-read intellectuals advocating for the development of small towns as employment hubs—offering an alternative to relocating rural populations to major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore—long-term green planning will play a crucial and transformative role in ensuring sustainable growth and improved quality of life.
While the townplanner, carefuly mark out the blue and green zones, the fine print is crucial: not all greenery is equally effective or sustainable. Successful urban greening focuses on selecting the right species of plants—preferably native and resilient—that address specific local challenges such as rocky terrain, pest infestations, vandalism, and polluted water streams. This targeted approach ensures the greenery reduces maintenance costs over time rather than becoming a burden for township owners.
Thus, urban greening is not just about adding plants but about creating a strategic, low-maintenance green infrastructure tailored to the unique environmental and social context of each township, ensuring it remains a valuable asset rather than a cost or headache.
Choose expertise that goes beyond aesthetics—choose landscapes designed for longevity, resilience, and true sustainability.
Author: Dr. Ekta Chaudhary, a landscaper by profession, a PhD in forest Ecology (IIsc, Bengaluru) by education. She can be reached at info@gardenup.in