🌱 What Happened
Meet Padma Shri Jadav “Molai” Payeng, a simple man from the Mishing tribe of Assam, India. Born in 1963, he has spent the past four decades transforming a washed-out land into a thriving 1,360-acre forest. His journey began in 1979 when, at the tender age of 16, he noticed the devastating impact of erosion caused by floods on the banks of the Brahmaputra river.
Disturbed by the sight, Payeng single-handedly started planting Bamboo saplings on the barren land. Year after year, his unwavering determination turned the erstwhile barren sandbar in the river Brahmaputra into a lush green forest, now known as Molai Forest.
💡 Impact
The Molai Forest is now home to several species of trees and animals, including Bengal tigers and Indian rhinoceros, providing them a safe and secure habitat. Furthermore, this man-made forest is acting as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen into the air.
📍 The Bigger Picture
Payeng’s efforts highlight the significant impact that one person can make in the fight against environmental degradation. In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his incredible contribution to conservation.
As Payeng’s story continues to inspire, it serves as a reminder that everyone can contribute to protecting and preserving our natural world. Whether by planting trees, reducing waste, or educating others about the importance of conservation, every effort counts.
For more about Payeng’s incredible journey, read this link