Man-Made Forest Created By ‘Forest Man Of India’ Damaged In Fire

A significant portion of a man-made forest created by Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, popularly known as the Forest Man of India, was severely damaged after unidentified miscreants set it on fire. Forest officials confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday evening, causing widespread destruction to green cover. While no human casualties were reported, thousands of plants were lost, and an official investigation has been ordered.

Extent Of The Damage

The fire spread rapidly through Molai Katoni 2.0, a newer section of the forest located near the Baghmora eco-camp along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in the Jorhat–Majuli forest division of Assam. According to senior forest department officials, more than 5,500 saplings planted in 2022 by Payeng and his daughter were destroyed. The blaze also killed insects, mice, and rodents, though no deaths of larger wildlife were recorded during the preliminary assessment.

The Forest Behind The Headlines

The damaged area forms part of the larger Molai Forest, a remarkable man-made woodland developed by Jadav “Molai” Payeng on Majuli Island. What began as a barren sandbar has, over decades, been transformed into a dense forest covering nearly 1,360 acres.

Payeng’s mission started in 1979 after he witnessed snakes dying on deforested land due to extreme heat and erosion. Moved by the destruction, he began planting saplings daily, relying on native species such as bamboo, banyan, and neem. His consistent effort over more than 40 years gradually restored the land.

In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation, Jadav Payeng was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015. Despite the recent destruction caused by the fire, his work remains a powerful symbol of resilience and environmental stewardship.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

Who is Jadav Payeng?
Jadav Payeng is a Padma Shri awardee from Assam, popularly known as the Forest Man of India for creating a vast man-made forest on Majuli Island.

What happened to Jadav Payeng’s forest?
A section of the man-made forest was damaged after unidentified miscreants set it on fire, destroying thousands of saplings.

Which part of the forest was affected?
The fire affected Molai Katoni 2.0, a newer section of the forest near the Baghmora eco-camp in the Jorhat–Majuli forest division.

How much damage was caused by the fire?
Forest officials estimate that over 5,500 saplings were destroyed, along with insects and small animals.

Where is the Molai Forest located?
The Molai Forest is located on Majuli Island in Assam, along the banks of the Brahmaputra River.

How was the Molai Forest created?
Jadav Payeng began planting trees in 1979 on a barren sandbar and continued the effort for over 40 years, using native tree species.

Why is the Molai Forest important?
The forest helps prevent soil erosion and supports rich biodiversity, including elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife.