HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Dec 29: A massive fire has gutted Molai Kathoni 2.0, a newly developed forest area on a sandbar of the Brahmaputra near Mahabahu, destroying thousands of saplings and triggering serious concern among environmentalists and local residents.
The incident is suspected to be the result of deliberate arson, with fingers being pointed at possible involvement of illegal sand mining interests operating in the area.
Related Posts:
The forest initiative was inspired by Padma Shri awardee and noted environmentalist Jadav Payeng, widely known as the “Forest Man of India”.
Following his lifelong work in afforestation, his daughter Munmi Payeng, along with around 70 young volunteers, has been working since 2022 to develop Molai Kathoni 2.0 on a fragile Brahmaputra sandbar.
Under the banner of the Sustainable Green Initiative, the team had planted nearly 7,000 saplings of indigenous and ecologically significant species to check erosion, protect biodiversity and restore the riverine ecosystem.
However, the fire, which broke out on Sunday, engulfed the area in thick smoke and is believed to have destroyed a large number of saplings along with habitats for birds and other wildlife.
The sudden outbreak has raised questions over its origin, with locals and environmental activists suspecting sabotage rather than a natural cause.
The strategic location of the sandbar and persistent issues related to illegal sand mining along the Brahmaputra have further fuelled suspicions of a sand mafia angle.
Members of the Molai Kathoni 2.0 initiative expressed deep anguish over the incident, stating that years of collective effort had been reduced to ashes.
The group has informed the Forest departments of Jorhat and Majuli districts as well as the State government, seeking immediate intervention and protection.
Taking note of the incident, Assam Forest Minister Chandramohan Patowary spoke to the concerned parties over the phone and assured prompt action, stating that illegal sand mining activities would not be allowed to continue in the area.
Following the assurance, officials of the Majuli Forest Division visited the site on Monday, carried out a preliminary assessment and began documenting the extent of damage, including the number and species of trees destroyed.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, demands are growing for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and to ensure stronger protection for community-led environmental initiatives along the Brahmaputra.
