Bangalore: 15 lakh trees in 12 hours! Bangalore launched a massive plantation drive recently. The BDA (Bangalore Development Authority) executed a mass afforestation drive, planting 15 lakh native saplings in 12 hours across 243 acres, and is aiming to achieve a Guinness World Record. Reality checks on complaints by residents have confirmed that hundreds of saplings withered, were left unplanted, or faced severe neglect, days after the world-record event. Citizens, environmental activists, and opposition parties have heavily criticized the drive, labelling it a temporary photo-op and “greenwashing” rather than a sustainable greening effort. Following the intense public backlash, the BDA defended the drive, stating that newly transplanted saplings naturally undergo temporary “transplant shock” and shed leaves before recovering. They assured scientific monitoring and rescue steps.

Delhi: 70 lakh trees in 6 months! Delhi launched its Mega Plantation Drive on July 7, 2026. Under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) initiative, the target was to plant 70 lakh saplings across the capital this year.  While there is no record for the saplings planted, it is understood that about 3000 to 5000 were planted on the launch date. Govt. agencies are given huge targets to achieve this. No data is available to cross-check the planting and the survival.

Uttar Pradesh: 35 Crore Trees in one day! Uttar Pradesh launched its state-wide “Mega Tree Plantation Drive 2026” on July 12 under the same theme, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”. The state set a massive target of planting 35 crore saplings in one day to combat climate change and increase the state’s green cover.  From Anganwadi to the Highway authority, all were involved in the process. Uttar Pradesh created a world record by planting more than 35.27 crore saplings in a single day under the Maha Vriksharopan 2026 campaign. While we welcome large-scale plantation drives, we doubt whether planting trees is merely a one-time effort. A Government initiative can plant millions quickly, but saplings require at least two years of care to become self-sustaining. Trees need nurturing, with consistent watering and, if necessary, compost for inadequate soil. Tree guards are essential to protect them from grazing animals. One big question is whether these mass planting drives do have proper records to monitor the progress. Are they truly for greening our environment?