Thirty years ago he planted seeds in a barren land forgotten by man to create an eco-system capable of hosting endangered plants and animals. Today he has become a hero for having built a forest of 550 hectares full of vegetation and animals by himself.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Thirty years ago he planted gods seeds in a barren land and forgotten by man to create an eco-system capable of hosting endangered plants and animals. Today he became a hero for building one himself forest of 550 hectares rich in vegetation and animals.
It happened in India, in the northern region of Assam, where three decades ago, a young man by name Jadav “Molai” Payeng he decided to create a habitat suitable for hosting the animals of his area, increasingly affected by the drying up of the land and urbanization.
But what was initially a simple pastime for Payeng soon turned into a real mission: build a forest to create a new ecosystem. And so - having left his home - the young Indian moved to the place, to live in a small house in the countryside and be so close to his daily business, which today - with a total of 550 hectares of lush forest - is finally accomplished.
In recent days, the "Times of India" newspaper reached Payeng in his house among the trees to understand what prompted him to undertake a job as demanding as it was original.
It all began in 1979, when some violent floods brought in the death and destruction zone: thousands of plants were devastated and animals killed.
“The snakes died from the heat, because they had no trees to shelter under. I sat down and cried over their lifeless carcasses. It was carnage, so I alerted the forest department and asked them if they could grow trees there. They have not been able to tell me anything, but in the meantime they have suggested that I make a first attempt with bamboos and so I did. There was no one to help me - continued Payeng who is now 47 - no one was interested “.
Thanks to birth of the forest, wildlife has returned to populate the area and today can live in peace in a new ecological balance, where Payeng has also brought back ants: the forest called Molai, is now a safe haven for numerous birds, deer, rhinos, tigers, elephants. Species that are at greater risk of losing their natural habitat every day.
But will the Indian state have recognized anything to Payeng?
Not at all. The praise came only from forestry officials, who in 2008 discovered his magnificent feat:
“We are amazed Payeng - said the director of the forest protection department Gunin Saikia. - If he had been in any other country, he would have become a hero “.
Verdiana Amorosi
