BDA plants 15 lakh saplings in 12 hours to set Guinness World Record

The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) has achieved a Guinness World Record by planting 15 lakh saplings in a single 12-hour period across Bengaluru, including Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, Banashankari 6th Stage, and Shivarama Karanth Layout. The massive plantation drive was conducted on Saturday to mark the 517th birth anniversary of Bengaluru’s founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda. On Sunday, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar officially accepted the world record certificate on behalf of the city.

Guinness World Records Adjudicator Rishi Nath presented the official certificate to Chief Minister Shivakumar. The presentation took place in the presence of the Minister for Bengaluru Development, Krishna Byre Gowda, along with other officials.

The BDA described the massive drive as one of the largest coordinated urban green initiatives ever undertaken. The record was specifically awarded for the largest number of saplings planted by a team within 12 hours at multiple venues.

Chief Minister Shivakumar expressed his gratitude to the thousands of people who participated in the drive. He stated that the achievement did not belong to him alone, but was made possible by the collective efforts of all government ministers, members of the public, students, and various participating associations and institutions. He offered his salutations to everyone involved in the effort.

The greening initiative focused heavily on BDA-developed areas and specifically designated ecological zones. In addition to the major layouts, planting teams worked in Oxygen Tree Parks, Miyawaki forest zones, and other identified green spaces. To ensure long-term environmental benefits, the authority utilized scientifically selected native plant species for the drive.

The record-breaking event is part of a broader environmental strategy for the city. According to a press release, the plantation drive serves as a key component of the Bengaluru Urban Ecological Restoration Mission 2026-30.