Called crazy, now the ‘Forest Man of India’: Meet Jadav Payeng, who turned hot sand into a forest larger than New York’s Central Park

The ‘Forest Man of India’: Meet Jadav Payeng (Image: X)

Jadav Payeng, known as the Forest Man of India, transformed a barren sandbar on Majuli Island into a 550-hectare forest over more than 30 years. Beginning in 1979 after witnessing dead snakes on treeless land, he planted bamboo and native trees daily. The Molai Forest now shelters elephants, rhinos, deer and tigers. Honoured with the Padma Shri, Payeng’s work stands as a powerful example of how one person’s persistence can restore ecosystems and inspire climate action.

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On a barren sandbar in the Brahmaputra river, a 16 year old boy once stood among hundreds of dead snakes and chose a different future for his island. That decision in 1979 began a quiet mission that would turn wasteland into woodland and earn Jadav Payeng the name Forest Man of India.

How Molai Forest Took Root in Majuli

Majuli is the world’s largest river island. It lies in Assam’s Jorhat district. The island has shrunk by more than half. Severe soil erosion threatens its very survival. Some fear it could submerge within 20 years.

In 1979, floods left sandbars exposed. Payeng found snakes baked by harsh sun. There were no trees to offer shade. Heartbroken, he sought advice from elders. They suggested planting bamboo on the sandbar. He began alone, carrying seeds daily.

In 1980, the Assam Forestry Division acted. Officials planned to reforest 200 hectares. The effort ended in 1983. Payeng refused to abandon the land. He continued planting trees for decades. He added native species beyond bamboo.

Over 30 years, the forest expanded steadily. Today it spans about 1,360 acres. That equals nearly 550 hectares of woodland. The area rivals New York’s Central Park. The forest is known as Molai Kathoni. It stands near Kokilamukh in Assam.

Wildlife Returns to the Brahmaputra

Molai Forest transformed a fragile ecosystem. It now shelters Bengal tigers and rhinos. Deer, rabbits and monkeys roam freely. Reptiles and birds thrive in numbers. Vultures nest high in tall trees. Bamboo alone covers over 300 hectares.

In 2008, officials discovered the forest. A herd of about 100 elephants arrived. The elephants now visit each year. They remain for nearly six months. At least 10 calves were born there. The forest was later named after him.

Payeng received the Padma Shri in 2015. He is a humble farmer’s son. His father traded buffalo in Assam. He once said protect trees before killing me. His words reflect fierce devotion to nature.

Documentaries, Books and Global Context

Film makers soon documented his journey. Jitu Kalita released The Molai Forest. The film screened at Jawaharlal Nehru University. In 2013, William Douglas McMaster raised funds. His film Forest Man screened at Cannes 2014.

A children’s book shares his legacy. It is titled Jadav and the Tree Place. The book appears on Storyweaver platform. His story entered Maharashtra school textbooks recently.

Globally, forests remain vital for survival. About 1.6 billion people depend on them. Around 350 million live within forests. Forest goods generate up to 100 billion dollars yearly. Forests hold 80 percent terrestrial biodiversity. Deforestation drives 24% greenhouse emissions. Restoration could meet one third mitigation needs by 2030.

China’s Great Green Wall is vast. It is the largest man made forest. Yet Molai Forest reflects one man’s labour. Payeng planted trees for nearly 40 years. He sought to save Majuli from erosion.

His work shows what persistence achieves. One person reshaped land and hope. Imagine many more choosing similar action.