There are concerns among environmentalists about the fate of the world's largest island- Majuli. Over the last 70 years, the island has shrunk by more than half and scientists approximate that it will be fully submerged and completely disappear within the next 20 years; Unless something is done to slow down the extensive erosion on its banks.
The large Brahmaputra river usually sends down its fury to the island and its inhabitants especially during the monsoon season which redirects its waters to the islets. While the authorities were busy trying to save the natives, one local environmentalist was busy trying to save the island.
Jadav Payend was only 16 when he came across a large number of snakes that had died as a result of heat stress when the floods washed them to the less tree dense side of the island. This motivated the young Payeng to tirelessly save the island by planting trees.
His selfless dedication has seen him plant more than 550 hectares of forest around the island that protects it from erosion. 40 years down the line, the vegetative cover is home to Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros and a heard of over 100 elephants graciously forage the trees and shrubs. Furthermore, the island is not going anywhere anytime soon, thanks to the reduced soil erosion.
Jadav Payeng lives on the biggest river island in the world, Majuli
Jitu Kalita -Via
The island is constantly being eroded at the banks threatening its existence
101 India -Via
The island has shrunk by more than half over the years and there are concerns it will be submerged in the next 20 years
Weren't it for Jadav, the island would have had a shorter existence
William D McMaster -Via
It all started back in 1979 when he was only 16 years old
Theforestmanofindia -Via
He came across a large number of snakes that had died due to excessive heat
William D McMaster -Via
He made it his life's mission to save the islnad from extinction by planting trees on its shore
bijitdutta -Via
He has been doing it for the past 39 years with a selfless heart
bijitdutta -Via
Overtime, he has planted a total of 550 hectares of forest cover
bijitdutta -Via
Creating a home for many animals
101 India -Via
Including Bengal tigers and Indian rhinoceros
William D McMaster -Via
Even a herd of over 100 elephants visit the island every year to forage
101 India -Via
Majuli is shrinking hbecause of the large embankments up the Brahmaputra river
101 India -Via
People built them for protection against the effects of the monsoon season
William D McMaster -Via
But the embankments redirect the devastating fury of the river to the island
William D McMaster -Via
His selfless act inspired many people
To learn more about the “Forest Man of India” and his fight, watch the short documentary below
