Historic plantation drive in Varanasi
Varanasi Sets Global Benchmark with Record Mega Plantation: Varanasi, one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, created a global milestone by planting 2,51,446 saplings within one hour. This extraordinary plantation drive was organised at the Sujabad Domari area in March 2026, establishing a new entry in the Guinness World Records.
The initiative successfully surpassed China’s 2018 record of 1,53,981 saplings planted in one hour. The achievement demonstrated India’s growing commitment toward urban afforestation and environmental sustainability.
The record was officially verified using drone monitoring technology and a digital counting system. After verification, the certificate was presented to Varanasi Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal, recognising the collective effort behind the campaign.
Urban forest development at Sujabad Domari
The plantation drive covered approximately 350 bighas of land, which is being transformed into a large urban forest zone. The project aims to increase green cover and improve ecological balance in the rapidly expanding city.
Authorities divided the entire plantation area into 60 sectors, each named after famous ghats of Kashi, including Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Kedar, and Lalita. Each sector witnessed plantation of more than 4,000 saplings, ensuring uniform distribution across the site.
Static GK fact: Varanasi, located on the banks of the River Ganga, is widely considered one of the oldest living cities in the world and an important spiritual centre of India.
Role of the Miyawaki technique
The plantation campaign adopted the Miyawaki technique, a Japanese afforestation method that promotes dense, fast-growing forests using native species. This method allows trees to grow nearly 10 times faster compared to traditional plantation techniques.
Using this approach, officials expect the plantation site to transform into a dense forest ecosystem within 2–3 years. The project also contributes to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and urban temperature regulation.
A total of 27 native plant species were planted during the campaign. These included sheesham, Arjun, teak, bamboo, mango, guava, papaya, ashwagandha, shatavari, and giloy, which are well adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
Static GK Tip: The Miyawaki method was developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki and is widely used worldwide for creating rapid urban forests.
Massive participation ensured success
The record-breaking plantation drive was made possible through large-scale participation and coordinated effort. Several government agencies and volunteer groups actively contributed to the event.
Participants included personnel from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF, Civil Defence, and Provincial Armed Constabulary. Departments such as the Forest Department, Agriculture Department, Namami Gange Mission, and DUDA also played key roles.
In addition, thousands of students, NCC cadets, and NSS volunteers joined the campaign, making it one of the largest community plantation events in India.
Advanced irrigation and survival strategy
Ensuring the survival of more than 2.5 lakh saplings is a major priority for authorities. To support long-term growth, an advanced irrigation infrastructure has been installed across the plantation area.
The irrigation system includes a 10.8-kilometre pipeline network, supported by 10 borewells and around 360 rain gun irrigation systems. These mechanisms will provide regular watering and improve sapling survival rates.
Officials also revealed that the project could generate municipal revenue through a partnership with a private agency, with financial returns expected from the third year onwards.
This mega plantation drive not only strengthened India’s environmental commitment but also positioned Varanasi as a global example of large-scale urban afforestation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Varanasi Sets Global Benchmark with Record Mega Plantation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Mega plantation drive creating Guinness World Record |
| Location | Sujabad Domari area, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Record Achievement | 2,51,446 saplings planted in one hour |
| Previous Record | China planted 1,53,981 saplings in 2018 |
| Plantation Area | Around 350 bighas developed as urban forest |
| Plantation Method | Miyawaki technique for dense rapid forest growth |
| Key Participants | Army, NDRF, CRPF, Forest Department, NCC and NSS volunteers |
| Tree Species | 27 native species including sheesham, teak, bamboo, mango |
| Irrigation Infrastructure | 10.8 km pipeline, 10 borewells, 360 rain gun systems |
| Environmental Impact | Urban afforestation and biodiversity enhancement |
