Who is Known as the Forest Man of India?

A person who is deeply committed to protecting nature and restoring forests can be called a “Forest Man.” This individual has dedicated their life to planting trees and reviving barren lands, creating thriving forests. Their efforts have not only helped restore biodiversity but also raised awareness about the importance of conserving the environment for future generations. In this article, we will know about the person who is known as the “Forest Man of India.”

Forest Man of India

Jadav Payeng, a dedicated environmental activist from Assam, is widely known as the “Forest Man of India.” His efforts in creating and preserving a forest on a barren sandbar in the Brahmaputra River have made him famous around the world. He has spent decades planting trees and turning an empty land into a thriving forest reserve.

Early Life of Jadav Payeng

Jadav Payeng was born on 31st October 1959 in the Missing tribe of Assam. As a young boy, he was deeply connected to nature. In 1979, at the age of 16, he witnessed a tragedy when many snakes died due to the lack of trees on a sandbar after floods. This event inspired him to start planting trees to restore the land.

The Creation of Molai Forest

In 1979, Payeng began his journey by planting 20 bamboo saplings on the sandbar. Over the years, he expanded his efforts, planting more trees and creating a forest. This forest, which came to be known as Molai Forest, now covers over 1,360 acres (550 hectares). It is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, rhinos and elephants.

Wildlife and Biodiversity in Molai Forest

Molai Forest is a thriving ecosystem with thousands of trees, such as bamboo, arjun and goldmohur. It is home to many species of animals, including Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceroses, deer and rabbits. Every year, around 100 elephants visit the forest, and they have given birth to 10 calves in a recent years.

Struggle Against Poaching

In 2013, poachers tried to harm the rhinos in the forest, but Jadav Payeng was quick to alert the authorities, preventing any harm. His dedication to protesting the wildlife in the forest has earned him respect and admiration from the local community and government.

Personal Life and Daily Routine

Jadav Payeng belongs to the Missing Tribe and lives with his wife and three children. Though he built a house near Kokilmukh Ghat in 2012, he still spends his days tending to the trees in Molai Forest. His only source of income is selling milk from his cows and buffaloes.

Recognition and Awards

Jadav Payeng’s work in creating and preserving Molai Forest has earned him national recognition. In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-largest civilian award. He has also received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to environmental conservation.