Assam Congress President and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the suspected arson incident at environmentalist Jadav Payeng’s Molai Kathoni 2.0 reforestation project in Majuli district. He said the fire was a direct attack on years of dedicated environmental work and on Assam’s natural heritage.
Gogoi said the destruction of saplings and the killing of birds and small animals was extremely disturbing because the project represents a community-driven effort to rebuild fragile riverine ecosystems along the Brahmaputra. He described the suspected act as an attempt to weaken a hopeful environmental movement led by local people.
Calling the work of Jadav Payeng and his daughter, Munmi Payeng, a symbol of resilience and conservation, he said any effort to sabotage such initiatives was harmful to Assam’s future. He also said there should be a thorough and time-bound investigation so that those responsible are identified and punished. Gogoi added that protecting forests, rivers and the people who work to save them must remain a priority. 
The remarks came after a portion of the Molai Kathoni 2.0 site was damaged in a fire on Sunday. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been deliberately set. The plantation area, spread across several bighas, includes nearly one million saplings planted to restore sandbars and prevent erosion.
Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, known widely as the “Forest Man of India,” said the fire was contained after volunteers, including his daughter Munmi, rushed to the site. He said timely action prevented larger damage.
Police officials said they are investigating the matter and believe the fire may have been lit to drive away animals. However, Munmi Payeng said there may be opposition from groups linked to sand extraction activities that the family has spoken against. She said their work focuses on native and flood-resistant plants to protect Majuli’s vulnerable landscape.
