Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia has written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging the Central Government to order a judicial inquiry into the recent fire at the Molai Kathoni Forest near Majuli and the reported illegal sand mining activities taking place along the Brahmaputra riverbank near Kokilamukh.
Saikia said the forest is not an ordinary plantation. It was created and grown over decades by Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Jadav Payeng, who is known across the world as the “Forest Man of India.” According to the letter, the forest now covers around 550 hectares and is home to elephants, deer, birds, and many other species. Saikia wrote that reports of a deliberate fire on December 28 have shocked people in Assam and beyond. He said that nearly five bighas of forest area may have been damaged, with thousands of trees, birds’ nests, eggs, and small animals reportedly lost.
The letter also raises a second serious issue. Saikia said there are allegations that illegal sand mining along the Brahmaputra river near Kokilamukh has been going on for some time. He said the activity is reportedly run by a powerful sand mafia network and may even have local-level protection. According to him, local residents and Jadav Payeng have repeatedly warned that heavy mining work is harming the riverbank, disturbing wildlife movement, and putting nearby communities at risk. Despite these concerns, he said the situation appears to have continued. 
Calling the incident nationally significant, Saikia has urged the Union Government to order a judicial inquiry under the supervision of the Gauhati High Court. He wants the probe to look into the fire, the extent of illegal mining, and whether there were any system failures. He has also asked for an environmental audit of sand mining in the Kokilamukh area and for steps to restore damaged forest areas and wildlife habitats.
In the letter, Saikia further requested that security and institutional support be provided to Jadav Payeng and his family so that he can continue his conservation work without fear. He also asked for transparency in mining records, permits, enforcement actions, and monitoring systems related to the area.
Saikia described the Molai Kathoni Forest as a symbol of people-led conservation and environmental responsibility. He said it is unfortunate that such a forest, created over many years through one man’s effort, has come under threat. He also criticised the Assam Government for failing to ensure full protection of the site and said that lack of action by the authorities has raised serious concerns about environmental governance.
The Leader of Opposition urged the Union Ministry to treat the matter with urgency and to ensure that public trust in environmental protection is restored. He said the focus should be on both accountability and on safeguarding a unique natural heritage that belongs not only to Assam but to the entire country.
