SayTrees Environmental Trust, in partnership with the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), has set a Guinness World Record for the highest number of saplings planted by volunteers. The landmark plantation drive, held on Kempegowda Jayanti, saw the planting of 15 lakh native saplings across Bengaluru, marking one of India's largest urban afforestation efforts.
Record-Breaking Plantation Drive
Under BDA's leadership, SayTrees collaborated with numerous governmental and non-governmental partners to mobilize over 50,000 volunteers. The saplings were planted at project sites including Dr. Shivaram Karanth (DSK) Layout, Banashankari 6th Stage, and Nada Prabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL). SayTrees contributed more than 3.36 lakh saplings, supported by volunteers and personnel from the Indian Army Para Centre and Indian Air Force Training Command. The organization also provided technical expertise on the Miyawaki method, honed over a decade, to other partners.
Ecological Impact and Goals
The initiative aims to combat rising urban temperatures, enhance biodiversity, improve groundwater recharge, strengthen carbon sequestration, and address the urban heat island effect in Bengaluru. Native species such as Peepal, Neem, Mango, Jackfruit, Sapota, Pongamia, and other indigenous plants were selected to create self-sustaining ecosystems. SayTrees will maintain these plantations for three years to ensure they develop into thriving urban biodiversity zones.
A Decade of Ecological Restoration
Over the past ten years, SayTrees has become a leading environmental organization in India, creating hundreds of urban forests in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Hosur, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Bhopal. In Bengaluru alone, the organization has restored over 50 sites using Miyawaki forests and planted more than 7 lakh trees.
Deokant Payasi, Founder & CEO of SayTrees Environmental Trust, said: "This achievement demonstrates the power of collective action. Thousands of citizens, volunteers, institutions, and government bodies came together with a shared purpose of creating a greener future for Bengaluru."
Kapil Sharma, Founder & Trustee, added: "As SayTrees marks ten years of ecological restoration, this Guinness World Record is more than a milestone; it reflects the collective commitment of thousands of citizens, volunteers, institutions, and government agencies towards a greener future. We are proud that SayTrees contributed 3.36 lakh native saplings to this historic achievement."
Community and Armed Forces Involvement
The drive was supported by citizens, student groups, corporations, resident welfare associations, environmental enthusiasts, and the Indian Armed Forces, making it a significant citizen-led environmental movement. Beyond the record, the initiative aims to create a lasting ecological legacy, with saplings expected to support biodiversity, improve air quality, enhance soil health, and strengthen groundwater recharge.
This event reinforces Bengaluru's position as a leader in urban environmental stewardship and community-driven sustainability.
