Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) created a Guinness World Record by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour using the Miyawaki afforestation method at Bhadaj, Ahmedabad. The achievement surpassed the previous world record of 3,31,929 saplings, which was set by the Assam Forest Department in 2023.
The plantation drive represents a significant milestone in urban afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development.
Mega Plantation Drive
Key Highlights
- Location: Bhadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- World Record: 3.61 lakh saplings planted in one hour.
- Previous Record: 3,31,929 trees, set by the Assam Forest Department (2023).
- Method Used: Miyawaki afforestation technique.
- Participation: More than 25,000 volunteers.
- Area Covered: Approximately 76,000 square metres.
- Species Planted: 35 indigenous (native) tree species.
Larger Plantation Initiative
The record-setting drive forms part of a broader environmental campaign aiming to plant:
- 1.25 crore trees across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
- 50 lakh trees within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area.
Miyawaki Method
It is a rapid afforestation technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
It focuses on creating dense, native forests in a short period by planting indigenous tree species close together.
Key Features
- Developed by Akira Miyawaki.
- Uses only native/indigenous plant species.
- Saplings are planted very close together, unlike conventional plantations.
- Competition for sunlight accelerates tree growth.
- Produces dense forests in a relatively short time.
- Requires comparatively less maintenance after establishment.
Benefits
- Enhances urban biodiversity.
- Provides habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
- Improves carbon sequestration by absorbing more carbon dioxide.
- Helps reduce dust and air pollution.
- Lowers surrounding urban temperatures.
- Supports climate resilience and ecological restoration.