🌱 What Happened
In the Indian state of Assam, a humble farmer named Jadav Payeng has been single-handedly planting a forest larger than Central Park in New York. Since the 1970s, Payeng has planted over 1,360 acres of forest, turning a barren sandbar into a lush oasis for wildlife.
💡 Impact
His tireless efforts have brought about palpable change in the region. The forest, now named Molai Forest after him, is home to numerous species of animals including Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, over 100 deer and rabbits, and several varieties of birds, including vultures.
He has been honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions.
📍 The Bigger Picture
Payeng’s efforts show that every individual can contribute significantly to environmental conservation. The forest is now a tourist attraction, creating sustainable jobs for locals, and is a symbol of hope in the fight against deforestation.
- Molai Forest is now over 1,360 acres large.
- The forest houses several endangered species.
- Payeng started planting trees when he was just 16.
His message is clear: ‘As humans, we must give back to nature as much as we take.’ Let’s take a leaf from Payeng’s book and make our contributions, however small they might be, to sustaining our beautiful planet. Read more about his inspiring journey here.