Green crusader Jamuna Tudu has renewed zeal in her fight to save forests even after a recent incident when over 40 plants sown by Van Suraksha Samity were stolen by unidentified individuals from Sunsunia jungle in Chakulia block of East Singhbhum.

“We had sown plants in the jungle earlier last month. But most have been stolen while some were destroyed by unknown persons. But my team members are not going to stop our mission of saving forests. Plants would have helped increase the forest cover,” said the feisty Jamuna, a Padma Shri awardee.

Speaking to The Telegraph Online from her village Maturkham in Chakulia block, 90 km from Jamshedpur, the well-known environmentalist pointed out incidents of tree felling has come down in her area.

“I think people are slowly and steadily understanding the importance of conservation but still we are not going to sit quietly. I think some villagers must have stolen and damaged the plants sown by us. We have intensified our daily patrolling in Beladih, Madhupur, Laubera, Dhalukdingha, Baraghat and Muhulbera forests to prevent such incidents in future,” the 35-year-old Jamuna said.

Known as Lady Tarzan for the ferocity with which she fights the timber mafia, Jamuna would shortly plan a trip to West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan for spreading the wings of VSS.

“The pandemic has stopped me from undertaking tours. Now things have begun to improve and travel restrictions have been lifted. It is time for me to venture out of Chakulia to spread the wings of VSS. I have already talked with some groups who are keen to join us in our mission,” she added.

Formed in 1998, the Samiti is currently limited to East Singhbhum. It has over 300 women members in the district, including Bahragora, Ghatshila, Potka, Patamda and Dalbhumgarh.

VSS committees were formed in Dumka, Giridih, Godda and Pakur last year.