Jadav “Molai” Payeng is commonly regarded as India’s forest man. His story reveals how a single man’s vision converted a barren plain into a thriving forest. This one soldier reclaimed his homeland and established a forest that supported 100 animals, including Bengal tigers, rhinos, and elephants! Let’s look at the story of the Forest Man of India and what inspired him to plant trees. <\/p>
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In 1979, at just 16 years old, Jadav Payeng encountered a harrowing scene on a barren sandbar of the Brahmaputra River that would change his life. A devastating flood had washed countless snakes onto the sandbar, exposing them to the scorching sun. Without shade or vegetation, the snakes succumbed to the intense heat, their lifeless forms a grim reminder of the ecosystem’s fragility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This heartbreaking sight sparked a determination in Payeng. Driven by an instinctive connection to nature and a profound sense of responsibility, he planted 20 bamboo seedlings on the desolate sandbar. What started as a small act of care soon grew into a lifelong mission. Payeng not only nurtured these initial plants but continued to plant more trees, dedicating his efforts to reviving the area and transforming it into a thriving forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forest, a 550-hectare expanse of lush greenery teeming with life. His dedication transformed what was once a barren, treeless sandbar into a vibrant ecosystem supporting a remarkable array of wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The forest is now home to Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, over 100 deer and rabbits, and an array of monkeys and bird species, including vultures. Towering trees such as valcol, arjun, ejar, goldmohur, koroi, moj, and himolu stand as testaments to Payeng’s unwavering commitment. A bamboo grove spanning over 300 hectares further enriches the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Molai Forest is the herd of around 100 elephants that visit annually, staying for about six months and contributing to the forest’s vibrant biodiversity. The elephants have even birthed 10 calves in recent years, a clear indication of the forest’s ability to sustain life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2008, the forest came to the attention of local authorities when a group of forest department officials visited the area while tracking elephants. To their astonishment, they discovered the dense forest created single-handedly by Payeng. Recognizing its ecological significance, the Assam government later named the forest “Mulai Kathoni Bari,” honoring Payeng’s pet name, “Mulai.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Jadav Payeng’s dream extends beyond Molai Forest. He has already started growing trees on another 150 hectares of land adjacent to the forest and envisions transforming additional sandbars of the Brahmaputra into thriving green spaces. His relentless pursuit of ecological restoration stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for environmental conservation worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jadav Payeng’s efforts turned a desolate 1,360-acre sandbar on the Brahmaputra River into the thriving Molai Forest. Elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, and a variety of migratory species now call this rich biodiversity hotspot home. The return of species in Molai Forest demonstrates the power of commitment and environmental management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Payeng\u2019s extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation have earned him global recognition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Payeng\u2019s story has inspired numerous creative works that amplify his message:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Documentaries:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n