Jadav Payeng
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Forest Man of India, Indian environmental activist
Jadav Payeng (born 1963), popularly known as the Forest Man of India, is an Indian environmental activist celebrated for one of the world’s most remarkable ecological restoration efforts. He is best known for transforming a barren sandbar on Majuli Island in Assam into a thriving 1,300-acre forest, now known as the Molai Forest. His work over more than four decades has turned him into a global symbol of grassroots conservation and environmental stewardship.
Payeng’s contributions to ecology, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable living have inspired students, environmentalists, policy-makers, and ecological researchers around the world. In recognition of his extraordinary service to the environment, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Jadav Payeng was born in the Jorhat district of Assam, within the Mising tribal community, where he grew up closely connected to the riverine ecology of the Brahmaputra. His childhood involved agricultural work, fishing, and participation in traditional community practices.
A turning point came in 1979 when Payeng, then a teenager, discovered a large number of snakes washed ashore and dead due to extreme heat on a barren sandbar of Majuli. Disturbed by this sight, he sought guidance from the authorities and was advised to plant bamboo to create shade. This marked the beginning of what later became a lifelong mission.
Creation of Molai Forest
What started as a small bamboo plantation evolved into a massive ecological restoration project undertaken almost entirely by Payeng himself. For over 40 years, he planted thousands of trees, protected saplings from cattle, and nurtured the land inch by inch.
Today, the Molai Forest spans approximately 1,300 acres and hosts diverse wildlife including:
- Bengal tigers
- Indian rhinoceroses
- Deer and wild boars
- Monkeys, apes, and various mammals
- Migratory birds
- Numerous plant and insect species
His sustained efforts turned a once-desolate sandbar into one of Assam’s richest natural forest ecosystems.
Environmental Impact and Conservation Work
Payeng’s reforestation has significantly stabilized soil in the flood-prone Majuli region, reducing erosion, improving groundwater retention, and creating a beneficial microclimate. The forest has become a key biodiversity hotspot and a living example of how individual action can counter climate change and ecological degradation.
He has also been involved in:
- Awareness campaigns
- Environmental education programs
- Collaborations with NGOs, schools, and conservation groups
His teachings emphasize afforestation, ecological responsibility, and sustainable living.
Recognition and Achievements
Although he worked quietly for decades, Payeng’s story gained widespread national and international attention in the 2010s. He has since been featured in documentaries, research studies, and conservation journals.
Major recognitions include:
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Widespread recognition as the "Forest Man of India"
- Invitations to global environmental forums
- Honors from universities, state bodies, and conservation institutions
His life’s work continues to inspire environmental initiatives across India and abroad.
Legacy and Ongoing Vision
Jadav Payeng advocates for large-scale afforestation and community-led conservation efforts. His vision centers on empowering local communities to restore degraded lands rather than depending solely on institutional interventions.
He continues planting trees, promoting ecological awareness, and guiding new conservation projects across India. His legacy stands as proof that one individual’s dedication can transform landscapes, restore ecosystems, and influence global environmental thought.
Social Media
- (No official profiles publicly confirmed)
External Links
- Documentary Features
- Environmental Study References
- Interviews and Public Talks
| Full Name | Jadav Payeng |
|---|---|
| Born | 1963 |
| Birthplace | Jorhat District, Assam, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Environmentalist, Forest Conservationist |
| Known For | Creating Molai Forest on Majuli Island |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2015) |
| Website | - |