15 July,2026 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | The Editorial
Representation pic
Ahmedabad has achieved a new milestone in environmental conservation by creating a Guinness World Record through a massive plantation drive, according to the Asian News International agency. The report stated that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) planted 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour at Bhadaj, a developing neighborhood on the north-western outskirts of Ahmedabad.
When it comes to number crunching, we learn that more than 25,000 volunteers were part of planting 35 different indigenous species, aimed at enhancing urban greenery. This is part of a larger initiative to plant 1.25 crore trees across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. We want to see such world record attempts in Mumbai, in dense, urban spaces that need green to break the grey of cement and concrete. We want saplings to actually grow into trees rather than die as, after the initial burst of enthusiasm, there is hardly any information about these saplings, and many may perish for want of consistent care.
Just like âdevelopment' may lead to the removal of greenery in some parts, let us see a government push for greenvelopment, planting in many spaces and actually doubling the number of plants/trees removed for any reason, though it is unfortunate that we are unable to get those old trees back.
Just like development, tech, infra, amenities and upgrades, trees, greening, planting, saplings, and ecological balance must become part of the city's lingo, backed by action. Our leaders need to inculcate a sense of pride not just by building a bridge, but making a park or greening a space and this is not for publicity-seeking photo ops.
