Kolkata: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), in association with a private learning centre, conducted a drive at Subhas Sarobar on Saturday to develop a Miyawaki forest by planting saplings, with around 400 schoolchildren participating in the initiative.Officials said that around 5,000 saplings of 53 different varieties of fruit and other trees like mango, guava, jackfruit, banyan, and others were planted by the participating children beside the waterbody inside the Subhas Sarobar premises.Officials explained that Miyawaki is a Japanese method of tree plantation in which different species of trees are planted close to each other, allowing the trees to grow much faster and become very dense. Compared to other traditional methods of developing mini forest pockets, the Miyawaki method of afforestation is suitable for urban areas for increasing biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions. "Within a few years, the trees will grow to about 20 feet in height," said an official.Earlier, a Miyawaki forest was developed on a large patch of land inside Rabindra Sarobar as well. A Miyawaki forest pocket has also been developed in New Town."This year, we are also going to celebrate a green Diwali. We urge all not to throw plastic here and there because it clogs the drainage lines," said a KMDA official."Planting trees will help to reduce global warming, greenhouse gases, and will help to generate more oxygen," said the children who took part in the plantation initiative.