A man-made forest in Assam, created by Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng and known as Molai Kathoni 2.0, was significantly damaged by a fire. Officials and Payeng's daughter, Munmuni Peyang, stated that unidentified miscreants deliberately set the fire on Sunday evening, destroying an estimated over 5,000 saplings and killing small animals and insects. Firefighting efforts were led by Munmuni, volunteers, and students. An investigation into the incident has been ordered by the Forest Department and police.