HT Digital,
Jorhat, Dec 29: Parts of Molai Kathoni 2.0, a reforestation site associated with noted environmentalist Jadav Payeng, were damaged in an alleged arson attack on Sunday afternoon, December 28, triggering concern over the safety of conservation initiatives along the Brahmaputra.
The fire broke out on a newly formed sandbar where plantation work has been underway for the past two years. Officials said unidentified miscreants are suspected to have set fire to sections of the site, damaging young saplings. The extent of the loss is yet to be officially assessed, and the motive behind the incident remains unclear.
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Developed on a char area of the Brahmaputra, Molai Kathoni 2.0 is part of a larger effort to restore green cover on erosion-prone river islands. Plantation work began in 2022 under the leadership of Munmi Payeng, daughter of Jadav Payeng, popularly known as the Forest Man of India. Around 70 volunteers have been involved in the initiative, planting hundreds of saplings to stabilise the sandbar and revive the degraded landscape.
Munmi Payeng has been spearheading afforestation efforts across vulnerable riverine zones, particularly around Majuli Island, which continues to face severe erosion. Her work focuses on planting native, flood-resistant species in collaboration with local communities and indigenous groups to improve ecological resilience.
The incident has sparked concern among environmentalists and local residents, who fear such acts could derail long-term conservation efforts in the Brahmaputra’s fragile ecosystem. Supporters of the Molai Kathoni project have called for stronger protection of afforestation sites, while authorities are expected to investigate the incident.
