The motto of 100-odd women in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand is to save the forest. They have taken it up themselves to protect around nine acres of forest land in their area, worried by rapid deforestation.
A total of 104 women from Mahishgeda village under Anandpur Block belonging to seven self-help groups (SHG) are part of Jungle Bachao Abhiyaan. To protect the forest and environment, is the prime objective of Jungle Bachao Abhiyaan. These women guard the jungle from 6 am to 9 am from 4 pm to 6 pm divided in four groups. they also keep a tab on felling of trees by keeping a count armed with bamboo sticks. The women impose fines if anyone is found cutting trees or caught for other illegal activities in the forest.
Saroj Surin, who has been leading this campaign, says this was done to protect the jungle. “The decision was taken after we observed that trees near the village were being cut indiscriminately. Damage was caused also by mahua pickers, who set dry leaves on fire.”
“Surprisingly, within one year of the campaign, cutting of trees almost stopped as everyone realised that we would be there to stop them. Generally, we are there in groups of 25 in different shifts,” she added.
These women have also decided to slap a fine of Rs 200 on those who skip their turn to guard the forest to maintain internal discipline. Sabina Kandulna said the money collected through fines is used to plant trees.
