Ahmedabad Sets Guinness World Record by Planting 3.61 Lakh Saplings in One Hour

Key Facts

• Date and Location: On 12 July 2026, at Bhadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• Achievement: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation planted 3.61 lakh (361,000) saplings in one hour.
• Method Used: Miyawaki forestation technique, a dense plantation method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
• Area Covered: Approximately 76,000 square meters.
• Participants: More than 25,000 volunteers took part in the planting drive.
• Plant Species: 35 indigenous species of plants were included in the plantation.
• Notable Attendees: The event was witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
• Previous Record: The prior record was set by Assam, which planted 331,929 trees in one hour on 15 September 2023.
• Part of Larger Effort: The plantation drive is connected to broader afforestation plans aiming to plant 1.25 crore trees in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency and 50 lakh trees within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area.

Background & Context

The Miyawaki method is a technique for rapid and dense afforestation pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This method emphasizes planting native tree species in small urban spaces or degraded lands to quickly develop native, multi-layered forests contributing to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ecological restoration.

Ahmedabad has been actively involved in environmental sustainability projects and has earned multiple Guinness World Records in recent years, including those related to flower structures and portraits. The success in setting the new record builds on increased regional efforts toward green urbanization and environmental conservancy.

The previous world record for most trees planted in one hour in India was held by Assam since September 2023. Ahmedabad's accomplishment not only breaks this record but also highlights Gujarat's commitment to large-scale afforestation initiatives.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The record is a prominent current affairs topic in areas such as environment, geography, ecology, and Indian polity relevant for competitive examinations. Knowing the date (12 July 2026), location (Ahmedabad, Gujarat), and key persons involved (Amit Shah, Bhupendra Patel) is important for exam preparation.

Understanding the Miyawaki method, its purpose, and benefits underscores environmental science components of many syllabi. Awareness of India’s ongoing afforestation programs and record-breaking efforts enhances general knowledge and analytical questions on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Points to Remember

• Ahmedabad set a Guinness World Record by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour on 12 July 2026 at Bhadaj.
• The Miyawaki method, developed by Akira Miyawaki, was used to create rapid dense native forests for ecological restoration.
• More than 25,000 volunteers participated in this plantation drive covering 76,000 square meters with 35 indigenous species.
• The event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
• Assam’s previous record was 331,929 saplings planted in one hour on 15 September 2023.
• This effort is linked with a larger afforestation plan targeting 1.25 crore trees in Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency and 50 lakh trees in Ahmedabad municipal areas.
• Ahmedabad has earned multiple Guinness World Records in recent years demonstrating its commitment to environmental and cultural achievements.