Varanasi Sets Guinness World Record by Planting 2.5 Lakh Saplings in One Hour | 05 Mar 2026

Why in News?

Varanasi created a new Guinness World Record by planting 2,51,446 saplings within just one hour during a mega plantation drive in the Sujabad-Domari area, surpassing the previous record held by China.

Key Points:

• Record: The plantation drive set a new Guinness World Record with 2,51,446 saplings planted in one hour.
  • The massive sapling plantation was carried out over 350 bighas of land along the banks of the Ganga River in Sujabad-Domari village, an initiative aimed at creating an extensive urban forest.
• Organisation: The event was organised by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation with active participation from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF, police, students, volunteers, and local citizens, making it a significant community-based environmental effort.
  • The plantation drive is part of a larger plan to develop an “urban forest” that will include diverse native species and contribute to long-term ecological sustainability and environmental balance in the region.
• Previous Record: The previous Guinness-recognized record for saplings planted in an hour was held by China since 2018, which was surpassed by this record plantation effort.
• Significance: The record-breaking plantation in Varanasi represents a landmark achievement for environmental conservation in India. 
  • By planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in just one hour, Varanasi not only broke a global record but also took a significant step toward enhancing green cover, community engagement, and sustainable development in the region.