In a remarkable story of dedication and environmental stewardship, a couple from Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district has transformed personal grief into a legacy of greenery. Dinanath Kol and his wife Nanki Devi, residents of Dhurkuch village in the Dabhaura region, chose to devote their lives to planting and nurturing trees after being unable to have children. Over the past 35 years, the couple has planted more than 10,000 saplings and converted nearly 105 acres of barren land into a dense forest.

Today, their creation stands as a symbol of perseverance, environmental protection, and community inspiration. What was once dry, rocky, and unproductive land is now covered with thousands of trees, providing a natural habitat for wildlife and contributing to the region's ecological balance.

According to local residents, the forest has become a well-known landmark in the area and is often referred to as a living example of how individual efforts can bring about significant environmental change.

A Mission Born from Adversity

Dinanath Kol recalls that his journey began in 1990 when he collected discarded mango seeds while returning from a local event and planted them on unused land. Many of the saplings failed to survive during the early years due to harsh conditions and limited resources. However, he remained committed to the effort.

The couple had faced social criticism and emotional challenges because they did not have children. During that difficult period, Nanki Devi suggested that instead of dwelling on their disappointment, they should dedicate themselves to a meaningful cause that would leave a lasting impact on society.

Inspired by that idea, the couple began planting trees regularly and gradually expanded their efforts. Over time, what started as a small initiative evolved into a vast forest ecosystem.

A Haven for Wildlife and Nature

The forest now contains a variety of fruit-bearing and medicinal trees, including mango, gooseberry, guava, and jujube. The dense greenery has significantly improved the local environment and helped restore biodiversity in the area.

Reports suggest that peacocks, deer, nilgai, rabbits, and numerous bird species now inhabit the forest. The once-barren landscape has become a thriving ecosystem filled with birdsong and natural vegetation.

Environmental observers note that such grassroots initiatives play an important role in combating land degradation, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife conservation.

The couple's journey was not without obstacles. To ensure a steady water supply for the saplings, they arranged for a well to be dug. However, the structure was later filled in after being classified as an encroachment. Water shortages led to the loss of several plants, but the couple continued their work despite the setbacks.

A Legacy of Dedication

Dinanath Kol says he considers the trees his children and has spent much of his life caring for them. Watching the forest grow has brought him a sense of fulfillment and purpose that extends beyond personal circumstances.

Their story highlights the power of determination and selfless service. At a time when environmental conservation has become a global priority, the couple's efforts demonstrate how individuals can make a lasting contribution to nature and society.

As governments and communities focus on increasing green cover and addressing climate challenges, the 105-acre forest created by Dinanath Kol and Nanki Devi stands as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single act of commitment.

Their journey continues to inspire environmentalists, local communities, and nature lovers across the region, proving that dedication and vision can transform even the most barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems.

A second leopard has died within five days in the Chandgarh forest range of Khandwa district, after being struck by an unidentified vehicle late Saturday night, prompting concern among forest officials over rising wildlife casualties on a busy highway stretch.

Leopard Killed Near Hanuman Temple

The accident occurred on the Punasa-Satwas road, part of the Khandwa-Bhopal highway, near a Hanuman temple, where the adult leopard was hit while crossing the road. According to officials, forest department staff reached the spot soon after being alerted and took custody of the carcass, remaining at the site late into the night to secure it.

A team of expert doctors from Indore has been called in to conduct a post-mortem examination, after which the leopard's last rites will be performed in accordance with forest department protocol.

Second Such Incident in Five Days

This is the second leopard death in the same range within just five days. On June 9, an unidentified vehicle had similarly run over a leopard in the Kaladev area of the same Chandgarh range, killing it instantly. Saturday night's incident occurred barely five kilometres from that earlier accident spot, raising fresh questions about wildlife safety along this highway corridor.

Speeding Vehicles Pose Threat to Wildlife

The Punasa-Satwas road passes through dense forest cover. Local residents say heavy and fast-moving vehicle traffic is common on this highway after dark. Wildlife experts note that during the summer and monsoon months, leopards frequently move in search of water and prey, making them vulnerable to speeding vehicles while crossing roads.

Forest Department Searching for Vehicle

Chandgarh range officer Mohan Mandloi said the leopard was likely crossing the road in search of prey when it was struck by the unidentified vehicle. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident while also searching for the vehicle responsible. Given the repeated incidents, the forest department is now considering installing wildlife warning signboards along the highway and increasing night patrolling. Environmentalists have also demanded stricter speed control measures for vehicles on this stretch.

7 Elephants Killed in Assam After Rajdhani Express Hits Herd

A tragic Assam train accident early Saturday morning claimed the lives of seven elephants, including an adult female, when the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd crossing the tracks in Hojai district. The collision, which occurred near Changjurai village at around 2:17 am, also caused the train’s engine and five coaches to derail.

Officials suspect that dense fog in the area drastically reduced visibility, contributing to the accident. While reports initially indicated eight elephant deaths, it was later confirmed that one calf survived but remains critically injured. Fortunately, no passengers sustained injuries.

Dense Fog and Unpredictable Wildlife Movement Cited as Key Factors

According to Suhas Kadam, Divisional Forest Officer of Nagaon, the tragic collision likely occurred because of extremely low visibility caused by thick fog. “The area was under dense fog when the train was passing. The elephants may have been trying to cross the tracks when the train appeared suddenly,” he said.

Forest officials and veterinary teams rushed to the site shortly after the incident. The carcasses of the elephants are being examined and will be cremated near the accident site as part of a standard forest protocol. The injured calf is receiving medical treatment under continuous supervision.

Emergency Braking Failed to Prevent Collision

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the North East Frontier Railway (NFR), confirmed that the accident occurred on the Jamunamukh-Kanpur section under the Lumding division, around 126 km from Guwahati. The location is not a designated elephant corridor, which complicates conservation efforts.

“The loco pilot applied emergency brakes upon spotting the herd, but the proximity was too close to prevent impact. The engine and five coaches derailed due to the collision,” Sharma explained.

Environmentalists have renewed calls for better monitoring and fencing along railway lines cutting through known elephant habitats in Assam.

Train Movement Restored After Four Hours

Following the derailment, railway officials immediately shifted passengers from the affected coaches to vacant berths in other compartments. The damaged coaches were later detached, and the train resumed its journey to Guwahati around 6:11 am—roughly four hours after the incident.

Track restoration work began soon after, with officials diverting other trains through an alternate line. Senior railway authorities, including the NFR General Manager and the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding, visited the site to assess the situation.

The Assam train accident has once again highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with expanding rail connectivity in the region. Experts emphasize the urgent need for early-warning systems and better coordination between forest and railway departments to avoid such tragic losses in the future.