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Varanasi Plants 2.5 Lakh Trees in an Hour, Sets Guinness World Record

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has set a new Guinness World Record by planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in less than an hour, shattering the previous record held by China. The massive urban forest project in Domri utilizes the Japanese Miyawaki method for rapid, dense growth and features systematic irrigation. The 350-bigha area is divided into sectors named after Kashi's ghats and will include walking paths, yoga plazas, and herbal parks. Officials cited the inspiration of political leaders and described the feat as a blend of spiritual heritage and modern development.

Key Points: Varanasi Sets Guinness Record for Planting 2.5 Lakh Saplings

  • Broke China's previous record of 1.53 lakh saplings
  • Used the fast-growth Miyawaki method
  • Over 20,000 citizens participated
  • Project includes walking paths and parks
2 min read

Varanasi Municipal Corporation sets world record by planting 2.5 lakh saplings in less than hour

Varanasi breaks China's record by planting 2.51 lakh Miyawaki saplings in under an hour, creating a massive new urban forest.

"This achievement represents a confluence of Kashi's spiritual heritage and modern development vision. - Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari"

Varanasi, March 1

Varanasi Municipal Corporation on Sunday set a new Guinness World Record after planting more than 2.5 lakh saplings in less than one hour, a press release said.

In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency, Varanasi, over 20,000 citizens participated in the drive, which has now been officially recognised by the Guinness World Records.

As part of the project, 2.51 lakh Miyawaki saplings were planted in just one hour, breaking China's previous world record of 1.53 lakh saplings planted in an hour and securing a new Guinness World Record, the press release said.

A 10,827-meter-long pipeline, 10 borewells, and 360 rain gun systems have been installed in the forest area to ensure systematic irrigation and water conservation. The entire forest is based on the Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This method allows plants to grow many times faster than normal, resulting in a dense forest within two to three years.

According to the release, this 'urban forest' in Domri is not limited to tree plantation alone, but also features a unique structure. The entire 350-bigha area has been divided into 60 sectors, named after Kashi's famous Ganga Ghats--Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Kedar, Lalita, Manmandir, etc.

About 4,000 trees have been planted in each sector. Priority has been given to 27 native species, including Sheesham, Arjun, Teak, and Bamboo, as well as fruit trees like Mango, Guava, and Papaya, and medicinal species like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Giloy. In the coming years, this area will develop into an 'oxygen bank.'

Apart from the 2.5 lakh samplings, 10,000 timber trees and 40,000 fruit-bearing trees will also be planted and additionally, the project will feature: a four-kilometre walking pathway, meditation and yoga plaza, four-hectare flower park, a two-hectare herbal park, children's play zone, and open gym plaza.

Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi was present at the event. Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari said this achievement represents a confluence of Kashi's spiritual heritage and modern development vision. Citing the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he described it as a proud tilak on Kashi's forehead, the press release stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A proud moment for India to break China's record! But the real test is survival rate. Hope the irrigation system and maintenance are robust. We need these 'oxygen banks' desperately with our pollution levels.
A
Aman W
Fantastic initiative. Naming sectors after the ghats connects modern ecology with ancient heritage. The inclusion of medicinal plants like Ashwagandha is very thoughtful. Hope they involve local communities in long-term care.
S
Sarah B
As someone visiting Varanasi often, this is wonderful news. The city needs more green lungs. The walking path and yoga plaza will be great for residents and tourists alike. A step in the right direction!
V
Vikram M
Record is good for headlines, but substance matters more. The project seems well-planned with native species and water conservation. My respectful criticism: let's ensure this isn't a one-time event but part of a sustained national mission. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Planting fruit trees like mango and guava is brilliant. It will benefit birds and eventually the local people. A forest that gives back! More power to the 20,000 citizens who participated. 👏

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