Sometimes the mere idea of a willful man is enough to change everything and achieve feats that at first glance seem just impossible. This is not a one-size-fits-all formula, but a pure reality. A reality wonderfully represented by the man we are going to tell you about.
It was in 1979 that Jadav Payeng , then 16 years old and living in Assam, India, was deeply affected by some disastrous natural events that struck his country. Severe floods and a hostile climate have had worrying consequences for the flora and fauna of the river island of Majuli on the Brahmaputra. In the face of such devastation, Jadav’s mind had a clear idea: it was time to take concrete action and devote our efforts to helping nature recover.
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image credit: Itshuman / Wikimedia
Payeng knew what to do. He decided the time had come to change the face of the island. How? ‘Or’ What ? By creating shade and new sources of oxygen and shelter . Simply put: by planting trees. So, armed with great will, he planted a sapling every day. Bamboo, cotton and many more : the varieties of plants chosen by Jadav created a real treasure of greenery, which quickly showed itself in all its splendor.
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image credit: forestmanofindia/Instagram
In the space of a few years, the Indian island has literally flourished , covered with lush vegetation on 550 hectares. A scenario very different from that, arid, which characterized it formerly. It is no coincidence that Jadev is now known as “the man of the forest “. Her story quickly toured the world, becoming an incredible example of dedication, love of nature and willpower.
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image credit: forestmanofindia/Instagram
And it is almost superfluous to dwell on the benefits that its action has brought to nature. We are not only talking about an act of salvation for the flora, but also about a real gift that Payeng gave to the fauna. The reforestation of the island has attracted many species of wildlife , which can now find refuge and sustenance in the trees that this man planted day after day with his own hands.
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image credit: Latif Kahn/NPR
To get a better idea of Jadav’s incredible achievement, the forest he created is almost twice the size of Central Park in New York . And this colorful, varied and vibrant ecosystem also acts as a natural “shield” against the erosion that characterizes the coasts of Majuli Island. Trees and plants protect the coastline from the action of water. A true benefactor, don’t you think? Stories like his really give us hope and confidence!
Source used:
https://www.instagram.com/forestmanofindia/?hl=it