India, March 2 -- More than 2.5 lakh saplings were planted in less than one hour in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi, on Sunday, a feat officially recognised by the Guinness World Records, officials said.

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) undertook the "historic" initiative, which saw the participation of more than 20,000 citizens, they said.

The achievement - a true example of public participation at its best - has been officially recognised by the Guinness World Records, the officials said.

The VMC is developing an urban forest named 'Namo Van' on about 350 bighas of land near the ghats in the Domari area.

As part of the project, 3 lakh saplings are being planted, including 2.5 lakh Miyawaki-met...