TheInterviewTimes.com | March 01, 2026 | 06:42 PM IST | New Delhi
Varanasi Guinness World Record created as 2.51 lakh saplings were planted in one hour at Namo Upvan. Full details on Miyawaki method, revenue model, and environmental impact.
Key Highlights
- 2,51,446 saplings planted in one hour, creating a new Varanasi Guinness World Record
- Record surpassed China’s 2018 benchmark of 1,53,981 saplings
- Plantation drive covered 350 bigha along the Ganga riverbank
- Urban forest developed using Japan’s Miyawaki technique
- Projected revenue of Rs 19.80 crore over five years
The Varanasi Guinness World Record was officially set on March 1, 2026, when 2,51,446 saplings were planted within just one hour at Namo Upvan in Domri village. The achievement surpassed China’s previous record of 1,53,981 saplings, which was set in 2018.
The historic plantation drive took place in Sujabad Domri village, adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. A judge from Guinness World Records, Rishinath, verified the count on-site and confirmed the new global benchmark amid large celebrations.
This Varanasi Guinness World Record marks one of the largest coordinated environmental campaigns in India’s urban history.
Record Breaking Plantation Drive Across 350 Bigha
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation led the drive across 350 bigha of land along the Ganga riverbank. The area was divided into 60 sectors, each named after Kashi’s iconic ghats.
More than 20,000 participants, including around 500 core volunteers, BJP workers, corporators, officials, and local residents, joined the campaign starting at 9 AM.
Native and flood resilient species were selected for long term survival and ecological balance. These included:
- Neem
- Peepal
- Banyan
- Arjun
- Bamboo
Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari described the Varanasi Guinness World Record plantation drive as a mass environmental movement aimed at improving air quality and strengthening riverbank stability.
Namo Upvan and the Miyawaki Forest Model
The newly developed urban forest has been named Namo Upvan. Spread across 50 hectares, the project honors Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s adoption of the village.
The forest has been developed using the Miyawaki technique, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This method focuses on:
- Dense plantation at three saplings per square meter
- Soil layering with organic compost
- Accelerated forest growth within 2 to 3 years
The dense plantation strategy enhances biodiversity, improves carbon absorption, and increases survival rates.
Future additions to Namo Upvan include:
- A herbal park
- Nakshatra Vatika
- Jogging tracks
- Eco tourism zones
Officials believe the Varanasi Guinness World Record project will transform the area into a major urban ecological hub.
Sustainable Revenue Model Backing the Project
Unlike many plantation drives that struggle with maintenance funding, this project integrates a revenue generation model.
A partnership with Madhya Pradesh based MBK organization ensures that the forest becomes self sustaining from the third year onward. The revenue plan includes:
- Fruit orchards such as mango, guava, and pomegranate
- Ayurvedic herbs including ashwagandha and giloy
- Flowers like rose and jasmine
Projected earnings include:
- Rs 2 crore in year three
- Rs 7 crore annually by year seven
- Rs 19.80 crore total over five years
Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal stated that this financial model ensures long term upkeep and scalability.
Smart Irrigation and Infrastructure Support
To ensure high survival rates, a smart irrigation system has been installed. It includes:
- 10,827 meters of pipeline
- 10 borewells
- 360 rain gun sprinklers
Saplings will be watered three times per week for 45 minutes per cycle, especially during peak summer.
The infrastructure also helps strengthen the Ganga riverbank, reducing soil erosion while supporting urban green expansion.
Environmental Impact and State Support
Officials describe Namo Upvan as Varanasi’s future “oxygen bank.” The forest is expected to:
- Reduce urban temperatures
- Lower dust levels
- Improve Clean Air Survey rankings
- Enhance biodiversity
The initiative aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s broader goal of increasing forest cover to 33 percent.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the project presentation after the event and distributed participation certificates, reaffirming strong state backing for environmental programs.
The Varanasi Guinness World Record is not just a symbolic achievement. It reflects a structured model of ecological restoration, community participation, and sustainable urban planning that could be replicated across India.
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