Trees are essential for the balance of the planet, and facing the effects of deforestation, one man proved that individual will can change the course of nature. For over four decades, Jadav Payeng, a resident of India, planted thousands of trees on the river island of Majuli, transforming arid land into a vibrant forest.
It all began in 1979 when Payeng, at only 17 years old, found dead snakes on the hot sand of a deserted area along the Brahmaputra River. They died from the heat and lack of shade. This event deeply marked him and was the trigger for a life mission: to plant a forest. To achieve this, he decided to plant trees every day to provide shelter for wildlife and save the soil of his native island.
With unwavering perseverance, Jadav turned that forgotten wasteland into the Molai forest, currently home to elephants, Bengal tigers, deer, Indian rhinoceroses, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. His action not only restored the ecological balance of the area but also drew world attention, being recognized with multiple awards, including an award-winning documentary at the Cannes Film Festival.
Majuli: an island between erosion and hope
Majuli, located in the state of Assam, is considered one of the largest river islands on the planet. It is situated in the midst of the powerful Brahmaputra River, whose erosive force drastically reduced its surface in recent decades: it lost over 50% of its original size due to seasonal floods and deforestation.
The island faces serious environmental threats:
- Constant erosion: every year, the river devours strips of fertile land.
- Loss of biodiversity: soil degradation affects local species.
- Monsoon impact: torrential rains flood large areas, displacing entire communities.
In this context, the forest created by Jadav Payeng acts as a natural barrier that slows erosion, stabilizes the soil, and restores the hydrological balance of the ecosystem. His work not only protects wildlife but also the human inhabitants who depend on Majuli for survival.
Source: Diario Uno.
