Bhutan sets Guinness World Record by planting 49,672 saplings, with 100 volunteers, within an hour. The planting race began at Kuenselphodrang in Thimphu at 8 AM, today.
In about 57 minutes, the volunteers, all civilians, had planted 50,000 saplings, in a bid to break the previous record held by the Indian State of Assam. They had planted 40,885, three years ago.
Of the 50,000 saplings, 328 were not counted as they did not meet the set standard.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, who was the Chief Guest at the event, said Bhutan has made history by living the policies, the country’s forefathers had put in place.
Her Majesty had addressed the volunteers before the massive plantation had begun. Her Majesty said it is befitting that Bhutan’s very first endeavor for a world record is in enhancing the environment.
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“As we all know, His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan is a visionary leader, who emphasized on conservation of environment long before the world acknowledged its importance. Sons of the Palden Drukpa, sons of the people’s King, your King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the whole nation is with you.”
The volunteers, all energized and ready to make history, had then dispersed off to their designated area, monitored by 10 stewards.
As the countdown began, the volunteers had taken their positions, on the slopes of Kuenselphodrang, waiting for the official flag-off.
As soon as the clock struck 8, the volunteers began planting vigorously. They retained the same energy throughout the hour-long plantation.
Guinness World Record’s Adjudicator, Pravin Patel had said the progress was good.
Of the 10 different groups monitored by respective stewards, some of them finished early and helped other groups.
Exactly at 9 AM, a chorus of victorious shout had erupted amongst the volunteers and spectators for having completed the task. The volunteers, smeared with dirt and drenched in sweat, celebrated the moment with songs and cheers of triumph.
“It is once in our lifetime we get such opportunity to make our country proud,” said a volunteer, Sangay Tshering.
Another volunteer, Ugyen Wangdi said he was skeptical whether they could go on to set the record, initially. “But, we worked hard.”
The volunteers, all men, had geared up for the big day by going through rigorous practice for the last 10 days.
“You have done your country proud. You have done each and every Bhutanese citizen, your Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck and your King, the Fifth King very proud. I, from the bottom of my heart, salute you. I salute you. We have done it,” said Her Majesty, the Queen Mother.
The plantation is PICSA’s initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.
“If this record is broken, we will set it again,” said PICSA’s Project Coordinator, Karma Tshering.
