A joint patrol by police and forest officials was conducted on Wednesday at the Molai forest in the Kartik Chapori sandbar of the Brahmaputra River in Assam’s Majuli district. The patrol aimed to protect the iconic man-made forest from poachers, encroachers, and illegal wildlife smugglers. The initiative was led by Majuli SSP Horen Tokbi along with senior forest department officials as part of regular surveillance efforts to safeguard the ecological treasure.
The Molai forest, spanning about 1,360 acres, was created single-handedly by Jadav Payeng, famously known as the “Forest Man of India.” Over more than three decades, Payeng, from Assam’s indigenous Mising tribe, transformed a barren sandbar near Kokilamukh in Jorhat into a thriving forest ecosystem through relentless tree planting and conservation.
SSP Horen Tokbi highlighted the importance of the forest, saying, “A protected nature means a protected human civilization. Majuli Police remains vigilant in keeping wildlife safe. This forest is not just a testament to one man’s dedication but a treasure for future generations that must be protected at all costs.”
The forest is home to diverse species including endangered one-horned rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, deer, and numerous birds. Payeng began planting bamboo and other seedlings in the 1970s to counter the devastating effects of floods and soil erosion, gradually turning the barren land into a dense forest that now serves as a sanctuary for displaced wildlife.
Despite its ecological significance, the forest faces threats from illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment due to its rich biodiversity and valuable timber. The joint patrol covered vulnerable areas, checked for illegal activities, and strengthened forest surveillance.
A forest official said, “We are committed to ensuring that Jadav Payeng’s life’s work remains protected. This forest is living proof that individual action can create lasting environmental impact.”
Majuli Police urged local communities and visitors to report any suspicious activity via established helplines, emphasising community cooperation as vital for conservation.
“The public’s role is crucial. We appeal to everyone to act as guardians of this precious ecosystem,” SSP Tokbi added.
The Molai forest, located on the world’s largest river island Majuli, is accessible only by boat, which adds natural protection but makes monitoring challenging, further reinforcing the necessity of coordinated patrols.
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