A major fire incident at the Molai Kathoni plantation on a Brahmaputra sandbar has sparked strong reactions across Assam, with many expressing shock that miscreants allegedly set fire to a section of the hand-grown forest nurtured by environmentalist Jadav Payeng and his daughter, Munmuni. The plantation, created over several decades through individual effort, is widely recognised as an inspiring model of environmental protection and forest restoration.
Assam Congress President and Lok Sabha MP from Jorhat, Gaurav Gogoi, reacted strongly to the incident, calling it deeply disturbing and unacceptable. He said the news that a portion of the Molai Kathoni forest has been destroyed by fire has shocked every concerned citizen. According to him, the act of targeting a forest created and protected by someone known globally as the “Forest Man of India” is not an ordinary event, and the situation demands serious attention.
Gogoi said that the role played by Jadav Payeng in protecting the environment has made him a symbol of conservation efforts worldwide. He added that it is extremely regrettable that miscreants set fire to a forest painstakingly created over many years, with great personal effort and commitment. Gogoi also questioned why anyone would attack such a forest and asked who may be encouraging or supporting such actions. He said these questions need clear answers. 
Reports in sections of the media have indicated that a sand mining syndicate may be linked to the incident. Allegations have also surfaced that, despite opposition from Payeng, the forest department permitted sand extraction activities at the sandbar near the Molai Kathoni area. Environmental activists and concerned citizens fear that sand mining could disturb the fragile ecosystem of the river island and create pressure on the forested area.
Gogoi said that the ecosystem surrounding Molai Kathoni is sensitive and needs careful handling. He urged the government to review the permissions given for sand mining in the region and to cancel any such permits in the interest of environmental protection. He emphasised that activities which could harm the forest or its surroundings must be stopped immediately.
The Congress MP further demanded a full and fair investigation into the fire incident. He called upon the administration to identify those responsible at the earliest and ensure strict punishment. Gogoi said that action is also required to curb the operations of any sand mafia groups that may be functioning in the area. According to him, clear and decisive steps from the government are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Molai Kathoni, located on a sandbar of the Brahmaputra, has grown over time into a large green area providing shelter to wildlife, improving soil stability, and becoming a symbol of grassroots environmental work. It began as a small plantation created by Payeng decades ago, which gradually developed into a dense forest area. Over the years, the site has become widely known, and Payeng has been honoured in India and abroad for his efforts.
Environmental groups, social organisations, and many citizens have expressed concern that the forest could face increasing threat from encroachment, illegal extraction activities, and other disturbances. The recent fire incident has renewed calls for stronger protection measures and better monitoring.
Gaurav Gogoi appealed to people across Assam to stand together in support of Jadav Payeng and his work. He said that Molai Kathoni is a rare example of what one individual can achieve through patience and commitment to nature. According to him, society has a responsibility to ensure that such initiatives are preserved rather than destroyed.
He urged citizens to raise their voices peacefully to protect the forest and to oppose any attempts to damage it. Gogoi said that safeguarding Molai Kathoni is important not only for environmental reasons but also because it represents hope and inspiration for future generations.
