Jadav Payeng ,  “Forest Man of India.”

Context-

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.

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.

Conclusion:

Jadav Payeng, known as the “Forest Man of India,” has made an extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation through his relentless dedication to creating Molai Forest. His journey, beginning with the planting of just 20 bamboo saplings in 1979, exemplifies the power of individual action in combating deforestation, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Payeng’s efforts highlight the importance of long-term vision, sustainable practices, and community involvement in environmental protection. His work serves as an inspiring model for future conservation initiatives and reinforces the need for both individual and collective responsibility in preserving our planet’s ecological balance.

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims

Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the creation of Molai Forest?

1. Molai Forest was created by Jadav Payeng in Assam, starting in 1979.
2. The forest was initially planted with 20 bamboo saplings by Jadav Payeng on a sandbar.
3. Molai Forest now covers more than 1300 acres and is home to various wildlife, including tigers, rhinos, and elephants.
4. Jadav Payeng’s efforts in the creation of Molai Forest were recognized globally for their environmental significance.

Select the correct answer from the options given below:

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, and 4 only
D) All of the above

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

CBL Mains Practice Question –

“The creation of Molai Forest by Jadav Payeng is an inspiring example of individual contribution to environmental conservation. Discuss the significance of this initiative in the context of India’s efforts towards combating deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. What lessons can be drawn from Payeng’s work for future environmental policies?”

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