Over 5 Lakh Saplings Planted in One Hour: Territorial Army Sets World Record

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, appreciated the efforts of the 128 Infantry Battalion and Ecological Task Force of the Territorial Army for achieving a world record in tree plantation. On September 22, 2024, the unit, which is one of six under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), successfully planted over 5 lakh saplings in one hour.

Held under the Prime Minister's ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign, this ‘Special Plantation Drive’ took place in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Territorial Army’s outreach program, titled "Bhagidari & Zimmedari," was aimed at enhancing ecological restoration and raising environmental awareness within local communities.

Yadav extended his congratulations to all stakeholders involved, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, District Administration of Jaisalmer, Police, Border Wing Home Guards, Sankalp Taru NGO, and students from various educational institutions. He praised their joint efforts in making the event a success, which took place simultaneously across seven locations in Jaisalmer.

5,19,130 saplings 🌳 in one hour!

The 128 Bn Eco-Task Force and Territorial Army (one of the 6 units of MoEF&CC), in association with Territorial Army, registered a World Record of planting over 5 lakh saplings in one hour. 

The effort has emerged has a unique example of… pic.twitter.com/MZnDHDCGvT
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 23, 2024
 

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Yadav expressed pride in the historic achievement. "128 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological Task Force of Rajputana Rifles planted over 5,19,130 saplings in one hour under the ‘Special Plantation Drive,’ contributing significantly to environmental conservation," his message read.

The event was conducted under the theme 'Protect Trees,' with the motto 'Those who protect the trees are protected.' Multiple world records were set during the drive, provisionally recognized by the World Book of Records, London. These include the most saplings planted by a team in one hour, the most saplings planted by a team of women in one hour, and the largest number of people planting saplings simultaneously at a single venue.

The World Book of Records verified and certified the achievement in the field, and the Ecological Task Force received a provisional award recognizing their extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation.