PC( News18, The Statment)
Varanasi (Kashi) has achieved a remarkable feat in environmental conservation. The city has set a new Guinness World Record by planting 2,51,446 saplings in just 60 minutes along the banks of the Ganga in the Sujabad-Domari area, surpassing China’s previous record. China’s Record Broken earlier, the world record for planting the maximum number of saplings in one hour was held by China’s Henan Provincial Committee and Henan Shifang Green Engineering Company. In 2018, they had planted 1,53,981 saplings in a college campus. Varanasi has now comfortably broken this record. Guinness World Records adjudicator Rishi Nath verified the achievement through drone surveillance and a digital counting system. He presented the official certificate to Varanasi Mavor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal at the site.
The plantation drive was part of the ambitious ‘Namo Van’ project, aimed at developing a large urban forest over nearly 350 bighas (approximately 350 acres) of land. The area was divided into 60 sectors, and saplings were planted using the Miyawaki technique a method known for creating dense, fast-growing forests. A mix of shade-bearing, fruit-bearing, and medicinal plants was used.
Officials expect this urban forest to turn into a thick green cover within two to three years and function as an “oxygen bank” for the city. To ensure the survival of the saplings, a 10.8-km pipeline network has been laid, supported by 10 borewells and 360 rain gun irrigation systems. The project is also expected to generate more than one crore rupees annually for the Municipal Corporation from the third year onwards through a private agency agreement.
More than 20,000 people actively participated in this mega campaign, including Around 5,000 employees of Varanasi Municipal Corporation
Personnel from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF, Police, and PAC. School students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Scouts & Guides teams from various government departments, social and religious organizations. The entire event was monitored through drone cameras and a digital application for accurate counting.
A Significant Environmental Initiative this drive reflects Varanasi’s strong commitment to environmental protection. Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari stated that the initiative combines ecological goals with long-term economic planning. The event was attended by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, MLC Hansraj Vishwakarma, Dharmendra Rai, and other dignitaries. This achievement is not only a proud moment for Varanasi but also serves as an inspiring example of environmental conservation for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh and the country. ‘Namo Van’ is set to become a significant green landmark for the holy city of Kashi.