Varanasi Plants 2.51 Lakh Saplings in One Hour, Sets Guinness Record

Varanasi has become an international leader in environmental sustainability by planting 2,51,446 trees within a single hour. This feat has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest number of saplings planted in one hour, beating out China's previous record of 1,53,981 trees. The massive plantation drive was carried out on nearly 350 bighas of land in the Sujabad Domari area along the Ganga riverbank by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation.

Nearly 20,000 citizens volunteered in planting trees that included defence personnel, students, civic officials, and volunteers. Developed as an Urban Forest named “Namo Van”, the project reflects Kashi’s environmental commitment, combining ecological restoration with long-term economic planning.

Rishi Nath, an adjudicator from Guinness, verified the record via drone surveillance and digital counting, and presented the official certificate to Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal and Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari at the location.

Urban Forest ‘Namo Van’: A Green Blueprint for the Future

Varanasi Plants 2.51 Lakh Saplings in One Hour, Sets Guinness Record

An official stated that the site of the plantation has been divided into 60 sectors; each sector is named after the major ghats of Kashi (such as Dashaswamedh, Manikarnika, Kedar, Lalita, and Sheetla), making what officials have described to be a “mini-Kashi” along the river.

There are over 4,000 saplings per sector that were planted.
A total of 27 native species were included in the drive, featuring timber varieties like sheesham, arjun, teak, bamboo, kachnar, mahua and harsingar.
Fruit-bearing trees such as mango, guava, papaya and pomegranate were planted alongside medicinal species like ashwagandha, shatavari, giloy and aloe vera.
A robust irrigation system has been installed, to ensure survival and long-term sustainability.
10 borewells, a 10,827-metre pipeline network, and 360 rain gun sprinkler systems. Smart irrigation scheduling has also been planned to protect the saplings during extreme weather conditions.

The plantation was carried out using the Miyawaki method (which is recognised for facilitating compact forests and for their rapid growth), and it is anticipated that the area will become a lush green area within the next 2 to 3 years. Trees in this area are planted with the intention of increasing aesthetic appeal, supporting the stability of the Ganges river's banks, preventing soil erosion, enhancing species diversity and creating an "oxygen bank" for the city.

Ecological Vision Meets Economic Planning

This initiative has a very unique revenue model that is integrated into an overarching green context. Under the terms of a partnership agreement between the MBKS Institute in Madhya Pradesh and the civic body plans to generate revenue from fruit produce, medicinal plants, bamboo, and floriculture.

As per the projections, the revenue generation is expected to commence in the third year, with estimated earnings of ₹2 crore initially and rising to nearly ₹7 crore annually by the seventh year. Officials have projected total earnings of approximately ₹19.80 crore within the first five years.

The plantation drive also aligns with broader development initiatives in Domari village, adopted under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, and represents a significant environmental milestone in the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Guinness World Record plantation drive in Varanasi

The Guinness World Record tree-planting event in Varanasi is more than just a number; it represents a significant public effort for the purposes of ecological restoration and sustainable urban planning. By combining record-breaking participation, scientific plantation methods, and a forward-looking economic framework, Varanasi’s urban forest initiative sets a new benchmark for environmental leadership in India. As ‘Namo Van’ grows into a dense green ecosystem over the coming years, it stands as a powerful testament to how heritage cities can evolve into models of modern environmental resilience while preserving their cultural identity.