Amit Shah Hails AMC After Guinness World Record for Massive One-Hour Tree Plantation Drive

Ahmedabad, July 12: Ahmedabad has added a remarkable achievement to its environmental journey after setting a new Guinness World Record by planting more than 3.61 lakh saplings within a single hour. The record-breaking plantation campaign, organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), received appreciation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who described the accomplishment as a shining example of collective public effort and environmental responsibility.

The large-scale plantation programme was conducted in the Bhadaj area using the Miyawaki afforestation technique, a method known for creating dense, fast-growing urban forests. Thousands of citizens, volunteers, civic officials, and environmental enthusiasts worked together to complete the ambitious task within the stipulated time, earning international recognition for the city.

Amit Shah congratulated the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for successfully executing the massive campaign and appreciated the contribution of more than 25,000 volunteers who participated in the event. He also extended his greetings to the residents of the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, stating that the achievement reflects the growing awareness among citizens towards protecting nature.

According to officials, the plantation drive covered approximately 91,000 square metres of land where around 35 native tree species were planted. The use of indigenous species is expected to improve biodiversity, enhance ecological balance, and create sustainable green spaces that can thrive in local climatic conditions.

The Home Minister noted that environmental protection has become a nationwide public movement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, he said millions of people across India have actively participated in tree plantation activities, transforming conservation efforts into a people’s initiative rather than merely a government programme.

He observed that the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency has made significant contributions to this national campaign by undertaking extensive plantation drives and encouraging public participation. Officials associated with the programme stated that more than 1.26 crore saplings have been planted across the constituency under various environmental initiatives, reflecting sustained efforts to improve green cover.

Apart from tree plantation, the constituency has also focused on several ecological projects, including the creation of oxygen parks, restoration of water bodies, and community-driven environmental awareness programmes. These initiatives aim to improve urban ecosystems while promoting sustainable development and climate resilience.

Experts believe that the Miyawaki technique adopted during the campaign offers long-term environmental benefits by creating dense forests in relatively small areas. Such plantations absorb carbon dioxide efficiently, improve air quality, conserve biodiversity, and help reduce the urban heat island effect.

The Guinness World Record achievement is expected to inspire other cities and local bodies to undertake similar large-scale environmental programmes. Civic authorities said continued public participation would remain essential for maintaining the newly planted saplings and ensuring their healthy growth in the coming years.

The recognition also highlights Ahmedabad’s expanding role in promoting urban sustainability through innovative green initiatives. Officials expressed confidence that the record-setting plantation drive will encourage greater community involvement in conservation efforts and strengthen India’s broader mission of balancing development with environmental protection.

With this milestone, Ahmedabad has demonstrated how coordinated planning, administrative support, and active citizen participation can together create a lasting environmental impact while setting a global benchmark in urban afforestation.