On July 12, 2026, Ahmedabad made history by planting over 361,000 saplings in just 60 minutes, creating one of the largest urban green spaces in the city and surpassing previous records. This bold effort used a unique forestry method and brought the community together in a significant step toward a greener future.
- 3.61 lakh saplings planted in one hour using Miyawaki method
- Over 25,000 volunteers including schoolchildren and residents participated
- New Guinness World Record surpasses previous Assam record
What happened
On July 12, 2026, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organized a large plantation drive on the outskirts of the city at Bhadaj. The event brought together more than 25,000 volunteers including schoolchildren, residents, and municipal workers, who collectively planted 3.61 lakh saplings within a single hour. This achievement broke the previous Guinness World Record held by Assam’s Forest Department, where 331,929 trees were planted in an hour in 2023.
The plantation covered nearly 76,000 square meters and included approximately 35 species of native trees. By the end of the drive, the previously barren land was transformed into a potential urban forest, representing one of the largest green initiatives in Ahmedabad’s recent history. The event was part of the Hariyali Lok Sabha initiative focused on expanding green cover in the region.
Why it feels good
The method used, called the Miyawaki technique, encourages rapid and dense forest growth by planting native tree species closely together. As the saplings vie for sunlight, they grow quickly and form a thick forest canopy much faster than traditional plantations. This creates a thriving ecosystem that benefits biodiversity by supporting birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Beyond the environmental impact, seeing thousands of people unite towards a common goal of greening their city is uplifting. It highlights how communities can come together for meaningful change, showing that collective action can lead to significant improvements in urban life. The new green space promises cleaner air, reduced dust, and cooler local temperatures for decades to come.
What to enjoy or watch next
In the years ahead, residents of Ahmedabad can look forward to enjoying the shade, fresh air, and vibrant wildlife supported by this new urban forest. As the trees mature, the green space will become a refreshing retreat amidst the city’s growth, enhancing quality of life for nearby neighborhoods.
This record-breaking event may also inspire other cities to adopt the Miyawaki method and launch similar green initiatives. Watching how this project flourishes offers an encouraging example of urban sustainability, proving that even crowded cities can make room for nature and reap its many benefits.