Varanasi Breaks Record with 2.5 Lakh Saplings Planted in One Hour
Synopsis
In a groundbreaking achievement, Varanasi, under PM Modi's leadership, planted over 2.5 lakh saplings in just one hour, setting a new Guinness World Record. This initiative showcased remarkable community participation and advanced technology.
Key Takeaways
Varanasi achieved a new Guinness World Record by planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in one hour.
Over 20,000 citizens actively participated in the initiative.
The project is part of the development of the urban forest “Namo Van” .
The drive utilized modern technology for monitoring and counting.
Significant environmental benefits and community engagement were highlighted.
Varanasi, March 1 (NationPress) — On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency of Varanasi achieved a remarkable milestone by planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in under one hour, surpassing a previous record set in China, as confirmed by an official.
This remarkable feat has been officially acknowledged by Guinness World Records.
Rishi Nath, the official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, was present to validate the record and presented a certificate to Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal.
The historic plantation event was organized by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, which managed to plant a total of 2,51,446 saplings at the forthcoming urban forest located in Sujabad-Domri.
According to an official statement, “Today in PM Modi’s Varanasi, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) launched a groundbreaking initiative — planting more than 2.5 lakh saplings in less than one hour! Over 20,000 residents took part in this monumental effort — a true testament to community engagement at its finest.”
An official noted that the previous record for the most trees planted in one hour was set by the Henan Provincial Committee of China, which planted 1,53,981 trees in 2018.
“Kashi (Varanasi) exceeded that benchmark through meticulous planning, widespread community participation, and the application of cutting-edge technology. The entire operation was closely monitored via drone surveillance and a digital counting system,” the statement elaborated.
The VMC is in the process of developing an extensive urban forest named “Namo Van”, which will span approximately 350 bighas of land adjacent to the Ganga ghats, located in the Domari area.
As part of this initiative, a total of 3 lakh saplings will be planted, which includes 2.5 lakh Miyawaki-method saplings, 10,000 timber trees, and 40,000 fruit-bearing trees, as per the official statement.
The project will also feature a 4-kilometre walking pathway, a meditation and yoga plaza, a 4-hectare flower park, a 2-hectare herbal park, a children’s play area, and an open gym plaza.
This urban forest aims to enhance biodiversity, bolster the integrity of the Ganga riverbank, and improve ecological balance, the statement highlighted.
From the third year onwards, the municipal corporation is projected to generate an annual revenue of around Rs 2 crore, which could rise to Rs 7 crore by the seventh year, it added.
Plans are also in place to establish a Naturopathy Plaza at this location in the future, according to the statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Varanasi set?
Varanasi set a record by planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in under one hour, surpassing a previous record held by China.
Who confirmed the record?
The record was confirmed by Rishi Nath, an official judge from Guinness World Records.
How many citizens participated in the plantation drive?
Over 20,000 citizens participated in the plantation drive.
What is the name of the urban forest being developed?
The urban forest being developed is named 'Namo Van'.
What types of trees are being planted in the urban forest?
The urban forest will include 2.5 lakh Miyawaki-method saplings, 10,000 timber trees, and 40,000 fruit-bearing trees.
