Majuli, Assam: A segment of the acclaimed environmentalist Jadav Payeng’s Molai Kathoni 2.0 reforestation project along the Brahmaputra River in Assam’s Majuli district suffered damage after a fire broke out on Sunday. Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze was deliberately set, affecting young saplings and causing the death of birds and small animals.

Jadav Payeng, widely known as the Forest Man of India and a Padma Shri awardee, confirmed that the fire affected a portion of the plantation but was contained in time to prevent total destruction. He noted that timely intervention by his daughter, Munmi Payeng, and several volunteers helped control the fire. “Nearly one million saplings were planted across roughly 7.5 bighas of land. A portion has been damaged, but the quick response saved the plantation from complete destruction,” he said.

According to initial reports, the suspected arson caused damage to the saplings and wildlife within the plantation. Police authorities indicated that the fire may have been intended to prevent wild animals from entering the plantation area. Senior police superintendent Horen Tokbi said that both police and forest department officials visited the site and launched an investigation. “More valuable plants were not destroyed. We are investigating the matter, but no formal complaint has been lodged yet,” Tokbi added.

Molai Kathoni 2.0: A Vision for Riverine Restoration

Launched in 2022 by Munmi Payeng, Molai Kathoni 2.0 was designed to restore degraded islands along the Brahmaputra, which are highly susceptible to erosion. The project emphasizes planting native and flood-resistant species to stabilize sandbars and regenerate the fragile riverine ecosystem. Munmi, who leads the afforestation efforts with the support of around 70 volunteers, has been expanding the initiative to other sensitive areas around Majuli Island.

“The project focuses on protecting nature and improving the environment,” Munmi said. She added that the suspected arson attack could be linked to opposition from individuals involved in sand extraction, a practice her father has long opposed. “We cannot yet identify the perpetrators, but a proper investigation is necessary,” she emphasized.

Under the guidance of Jadav Payeng, afforestation efforts in the Molai Kathoni region have seen remarkable success. Since 2022, nearly 1,300 hectares have been afforested with assistance from organisations such as Sustainable Green Initiative and Climate Justice People. By 2024, over one million saplings had been planted under this program, making it one of India’s most significant community-driven reforestation efforts.

Response and Next Steps

Following the incident, local authorities and forest officials have begun examining the area to assess the full extent of the damage and gather evidence. While the affected plantation area suffered some loss, the quick response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent sections, ensuring the survival of the majority of the saplings and key vegetation.

Jadav Payeng highlighted that such deliberate attacks not only harm the environment but also threaten ongoing conservation efforts that rely heavily on community support and volunteer participation. “This project represents years of dedication to restoring ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. Any act of sabotage sets back our efforts and impacts the local flora and fauna,” he said.

Munmi Payeng reiterated the importance of sustained afforestation and community engagement to combat environmental degradation. The Molai Kathoni 2.0 project serves as a model for riverine ecosystem restoration, focusing on both ecological conservation and local community involvement to ensure the sustainability of reforestation efforts.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify potential perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Payeng family and volunteers remain committed to replanting the damaged areas and continuing their efforts to protect and regenerate Assam’s vulnerable river islands.

With the ongoing afforestation work and increasing awareness about the importance of ecosystem restoration, Molai Kathoni 2.0 stands as a testament to grassroots environmental activism. Despite the setback caused by the fire, the project continues to inspire efforts in ecological preservation and community-driven conservation in Assam and beyond.