This man planted a tree every day for 35 years and created a forest larger than Central Park

By Elizabeth Preske

August 09, 2018, 5:15:25 PM EDT

It may take a village to raise a child, but it only takes one man to plant a forest.

In 1979, 16-year-old Padma Shri Jadav "Molai" Payeng was devastated when he stumbled upon a pile of dead snakes, scorched to death by extreme heat on the banks of Majuli Island in Assam, India.

Due to erosion, Majuli — the largest river island in the world — has lost more than half its land mass in nearly 50 years. Scientists say the island could be gone in another 15 to 20, according to the award-winning documentary "Forest Man."

The snakes, which came to the island by way of flooding from the Brahmaputra river, could find no shade to escape the heat.

When he saw the snakes, Payeng told NPR he knew he had to do something about it or else even humans might "have to die this way in the heat."

And so, with an unquestionable love for his homeland and the most admirable dedication, Payeng planted one sapling on the barren land every day for the next 35 years.

Report a Typo

Continue Reading on TravelAndLeisure.com >

Business

More Weather News

Brutally cold weather to follow blockbuster weekend snowstorm

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 5:07:17 AM EST

Following the impacts of a major winter storm in the Midwest and Northeast this weekend, a blast of frigid, windy weather will complicate travel and cleanup efforts across the region.
Can you trust weather forecasts during the government shutdown? Absolutely!

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 7:51:13 AM EST

"We feel badly for our weather colleagues in government who are not getting paid during the shutdown," said Marshall Moss, AccuWeather vice president, Forecasting and Graphic Operations. "Like us, they're doing critical life-saving work and issuing public warnings and we hope they are paid soon.”
Photos: At least 6 fatalities reported as intense storms slam California

Weather News - January 17, 2019, 10:40:41 PM EST

Amid a relentless series of storms, a powerful storm has been wreaking havoc in California from Wednesday into Thursday, further raising concerns of flooding, mudslides and avalanches.
Break in Pacific storms for California to aid mudslide, damage cleanup

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 4:09:35 AM EST

A much-needed break from the storms touting inches of rain and feet of snow will begin in some areas on Friday and expand to much of the Pacific coast by next week.
Super Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse to dazzle South America on Sunday night

Weather News - January 17, 2019, 12:35:03 PM EST

A total lunar eclipse will be seen across the entirety of South America on Sunday night, marking the final such occurrence of this decade.
Dangerous blizzard, ice storm to wallop Midwest with treacherous travel and power outages

Weather News - January 18, 2019, 5:53:23 AM EST

As a storm with snow and ice strengthens, gusty winds and plummeting temperatures will lead to blizzard conditions in some areas of the Midwest this weekend.
Budding depression to renew flood danger across the Philippines this weekend

Weather News - January 17, 2019, 11:13:34 AM EST

Residents of the Philippines are being put on alert for the dangers of flash flooding and mudslides as a budding tropical depression approaches.
Heatwave to be trimmed in New South Wales this weekend; Cooler air on the way for Australian Open

Weather News - January 17, 2019, 10:59:30 AM EST

A dangerous heat wave will continue its grip on New South Wales on Friday before relief arrives this weekend.