The city of Varanasi created history by entering the Guinness World Records for planting 2,51,446 saplings within one hour during a mega plantation campaign. The drive took place at Sujabad Domari area and surpassed China’s previous record of 1,53,981 saplings planted in 2018.
The achievement was officially verified by a Guinness World Records adjudicator, using drone surveillance and digital counting systems.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Sujabad Domari area, Varanasi |
| Record | 2,51,446 saplings planted in 1 hour |
| Previous Record | China (2018) – 1,53,981 saplings |
| Verification | Drone monitoring and digital counting |
| Area Covered | ~350 bighas |
| Technique Used | Miyawaki plantation method |
The plantation site is being developed into a large urban forest.
Development of the Urban Forest
The plantation was conducted through coordinated efforts by:
- Varanasi Municipal Corporation
- Government departments
- Social organisations
- Educational institutions.
Sector-Based Plantation Model
The forest area has been divided into 60 sectors, each named after famous ghats of Kashi.
Examples include:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
- Lalita Ghat
Each sector recorded more than 4,000 saplings planted.
Tree Species Planted
A total of 27 native plant species were included in the campaign.
Categories of Plants
| Category | Examples |
| Timber Trees | Sheesham, Arjun, Teak, Bamboo |
| Fruit Trees | Mango, Guava, Papaya |
| Medicinal Plants | Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Giloy |
The use of native species helps maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
Miyawaki Plantation Technique
The plantation drive used the Akira Miyawaki Miyawaki Method, a technique for creating dense forests in small urban spaces.
Key Features
| Feature | Explanation |
| Dense plantation | 2–4 indigenous trees planted per square metre |
| Faster growth | Forest becomes dense within 2–3 years |
| Biodiversity | Encourages multiple plant species and ecosystems |
| Low maintenance | Mostly self-sustaining after establishment |
Environmental Benefits
- Absorbs dust and pollution particles
- Regulates surface temperature
- Improves soil fertility
- Enhances biodiversity.
Participants in the Plantation Drive
The campaign witnessed massive participation from:
- Indian Army
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Civil Defence
- Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC)
Government agencies involved:
- Forest Department
- Agriculture Department
- Namami Gange Programme
- District Urban Development Agency (DUDA)
- Municipal Corporation.
Large numbers of students, NCC cadets, and NSS volunteers also participated.
Irrigation and Maintenance Infrastructure
To ensure survival of the saplings, a strong irrigation system has been established.
Irrigation Infrastructure
| Facility | Details |
| Pipeline Network | 10.8 km |
| Borewells | 10 |
| Rain Gun Irrigation Systems | 360 units |
These systems will provide regular watering and long-term plant care.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project aims to combine environmental sustainability with economic benefits.
Expected Outcomes
- Creation of a large urban forest ecosystem
- Improved air quality and climate resilience
- Biodiversity conservation
- Revenue generation for the Municipal Corporation.
Under an agreement with a private agency, revenue generation is expected from the third year onward.
About Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records is a global authority that documents extraordinary achievements and world records.
| Feature | Details |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Established | 1955 |
| Function | Verifies and publishes world records |
| Verification Methods | Documentation, digital evidence, adjudicators |
Records are authenticated through strict verification procedures such as:
- independent adjudication
- digital data verification
- video or drone evidence.
Significance of Initiative
- Demonstrates large-scale public participation in environmental conservation.
- Promotes urban afforestation using scientific techniques.
- Enhances ecological sustainability in Varanasi.
- Supports climate resilience and biodiversity.
- Combines environmental goals with economic planning.