PM Modi Hails Varanasi's Historic Guinness World Record Plantation Drive
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commended the Varanasi Municipal Corporation's mega plantation initiative, which has secured a prestigious place in the Guinness World Records. During the 132nd edition of his 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, the Prime Minister described the achievement as historic and a shining example of public participation in environmental conservation efforts.
Record-Breaking Environmental Achievement
The plantation drive in Varanasi successfully established what participants are calling an 'oxygen bank' by planting over 2.51 lakh saplings in just one hour. This remarkable feat surpassed China's 2018 record of planting 1,53,98 saplings within the same timeframe.
The initiative has earned Varanasi two significant distinctions in the Guinness Book of World Records:
- Developing the first urban forest of Kashi
- Creating the world's largest Miyawaki forest zone
The Miyawaki forest zone is located in the Domari area on the opposite bank of the mythological ghats, adding to Varanasi's environmental legacy.
PM Modi's Commendation During Mann Ki Baat
Addressing the nation through his monthly radio program, Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the collective effort. "Recently, an inspiring effort was witnessed in Varanasi, where more than 2.51 lakh saplings were planted in just one hour, creating a new Guinness World Record," said the Prime Minister.
He emphasized the collaborative nature of the achievement, noting: "The most remarkable aspect of this effort was that thousands of people came together for it. Students, soldiers, voluntary organisations, and various institutions — all joined hands to make this possible."
Broader Environmental Context
Prime Minister Modi connected the Varanasi success story to the nationwide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation drive, highlighting how similar public participation has led to crores of trees being planted across the country. The Varanasi initiative serves as a model for community-driven environmental conservation that combines record-breaking achievement with sustainable ecological development.
The plantation drive represents a significant milestone in urban environmental initiatives, demonstrating how coordinated public effort can achieve extraordinary results in ecological restoration and conservation.
