Ahmedabad Creates Guinness World Record by Planting 3.61 Lakh Saplings in One Hour: Miyawaki Afforestation Technique Receives Global Recognition
On 12 July 2026, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) created a Guinness World Record by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour under a Miyawaki afforestation campaign. More than 25,000 volunteers participated in the drive, planting 35 indigenous tree species. The Miyawaki method is an effective technique for developing dense and fast-growing natural forests in limited spaces. The initiative contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On 12 July 2026, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) established a new Guinness World Record by planting 361,000 saplings within one hour at Bhadaj (Gota-Godhavi Canal Area), Gujarat. The achievement was officially recognized as the largest Miyawaki tree plantation campaign conducted within one hour.
Key Highlights of the Campaign
More than 25,000 volunteers, including students, NCC cadets, government officials, police personnel, representatives of various organizations, and local citizens, participated in the campaign. Around 91,006 square metres of land, including 76,000 square metres of the main plantation area, was covered with 35 native tree species.
Miyawaki Method
The Miyawaki Method was developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. This technique involves planting a variety of native tree species at a very high density in a limited area, enabling the rapid development of forests that closely resemble natural ecosystems. Forests created using this method grow much faster than conventional forests, support higher biodiversity, and require comparatively less maintenance.
Environmental Significance
Miyawaki forests play an important role in carbon sequestration, improving air quality, regulating urban temperatures, conserving soil, harvesting rainwater, and enhancing biodiversity in urban areas. The use of indigenous tree species also helps maintain ecological balance and creates suitable habitats for wildlife.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
The initiative contributes to climate change mitigation, expansion of green cover, strengthening of urban ecology, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG-13 (Climate Action), and SDG-15 (Life on Land). It also serves as an excellent example of community-based environmental conservation.
Importance from UPSC Examination Perspective
This topic is highly important for UPSC Prelims in relation to the Miyawaki Method, Biodiversity, Carbon Sequestration, Climate Change, Urban Afforestation, and Environmental Conservation. For UPSC Mains (GS Paper III – Environment, Ecology & Climate Change), it provides an excellent contemporary example while discussing urban green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, and community participation.
