Rooting for Change: AMC Sets New Guinness World Record

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has made history by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in a single hour, setting a new global benchmark for sustainability.

AHMEDABAD — The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has achieved a historic milestone in environmental conservation, setting a new Guinness World Record by planting 361,000 saplings in just one hour. The mega plantation drive, held at Bhadaj on July 12, 2026, utilized the high-density Miyawaki method to secure the record, signaling a major boost to urban greening efforts.

The initiative was part of the "Hariyali Lok Sabha" project, a green-cover expansion program inspired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, representing the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The event saw a collaborative effort from over 25,000 volunteers, including municipal staff, NCC students, and various social organizations, all working in unison to transform a 76,000-square-meter area near the Gota Godhavi Canal.

A Monumental Green Milestone

The plantation drive featured 35 indigenous species, carefully selected to optimize biodiversity and carbon sequestration. By employing the Miyawaki technique—a methodology known for creating dense, fast-growing "oxygen parks"—the AMC aims to significantly reduce local air pollution and urban heat island effects.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the achievement on social media, calling it a "monumental milestone" toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of "Progress with Nature." In a statement, Shah lauded the dedication of the volunteers and the planning efforts of the AMC, noting that the project serves as a replicable model for environmental sustainability across India.

Community-Led Environmental Impact

The success of the record-breaking feat was not solely a municipal effort but a massive display of public participation. Thousands of citizens, educational institutions, and NGOs joined local leaders, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, to finalize the drive.

"According to officials," the impact of this campaign extends beyond the record itself. The newly planted saplings are expected to play a vital role in enhancing local biodiversity and long-term ecological balance. The AMC has committed to the ongoing protection and nurturing of these trees, viewing them as a legacy for future generations.

Why It Matters

For urban centers grappling with rising temperatures and air quality challenges, this project demonstrates the effectiveness of community-driven, tech-enabled environmental strategies. By scaling up green cover through high-density planting, Ahmedabad is setting a precedent for other cities to prioritize sustainable urban development as part of the broader national goal of building a greener, cleaner, and more resilient India.

Key Facts at a Glance

• World Record: 3.61 lakh (361,000) saplings planted in exactly 60 minutes.

• Technique: The Miyawaki method, known for fostering dense, fast-growing urban forests.

• Volunteer Force: Over 25,000 citizens and volunteers participated in the effort.

• Biodiversity: A total of 35 indigenous tree species were introduced to the area.

• Initiative: Part of the "Hariyali Lok Sabha" project aimed at creating a greener Gandhinagar constituency.

FAQ

What is the Miyawaki method used in this plantation?

The Miyawaki method involves planting various native tree species very close together, which encourages faster growth and creates dense, multi-layered urban forests that are more efficient at carbon absorption.

Why is this record significant?

Beyond the Guinness World Record, the drive represents a massive, scalable effort to improve local biodiversity, reduce air pollution, and mitigate urban heat in Ahmedabad.

Who led this initiative?

The plantation was inspired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as part of his "Hariyali Lok Sabha" initiative, with execution led by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, ANI News