The Brahmaputra is one of the largest rivers in India. Every year during the monsoon season, everything nearby get flooded, and land is washed away. Millions of people live along this life-giving river. Erosion has taken half of the land mass away from the island of Majuli, where Jadav Payeng (The Forest Man) lives. Scientists predict the entire island could be gone in 15-20 years.
In the distance is Payeng's forest
"I worry about the fate of the world. I do what I can to help. I am just a simple man, and there are many just like me."
-Jadav Payeng
"There are no monsters in nature except for humans. Humans consume everything until there is nothing left. Nothing is safe from humans, not even tigers, or elephants."
-Jadav Payeng
He said planting was difficult at the beginning, but now he plants seeds from the trees he planted.
Here he is using a stick as a planting tool.
He has suggestions for saving his island:
He reminds us that many of our modern problems can be solved using simple solutions.
When responding to those who want to cut his forest for gain:
When asked if Majuli Island could be saved? He said: "YES."
