For a happy concept of tomorrow, environmental protection is very much needed at present. Environmental protection is not only the responsibility of the government but every citizen of the country and women of rural areas of the State are fulfilling this responsibility very well. Today the women of Sakhi Mandal of the State are not only becoming financially and socially empowered, but they are also constantly striving for the betterment of the village and society.
Women of Sakhi Mandal of Jharbeda Panchayat of Anandpur in West Singhbhum district have started a unique effort to save forest and forest trees from being cut down. Through this effort started by rural women from April 2021, awareness about environmental protection is increasing among the villagers.
The forest is spread over an area of 9 hectares in Mahishagida of Anandpur block of West Singhbhum, in which trees of Sal, Teak, Asan, Bamboo, Karanj, Chironji, Chaukudi, Mahua, Kendu etc are planted. Cultivation of these wild crops for livelihood and at the time of harvesting, nearby small trees are cut. Also, the process of preparing land for agriculture by setting fire to forests for agriculture is also seen in remote rural areas. But these methods of traditional farming have a bad effect on the natural balance of forests.
In view of this problem, women of Sakhi Mandal of Jharbeda Panchayat of Anandpur block of West Singhbhum started a unique effort to protect forests to save forests. Jungle Bachao Initiative was launched in 7 Sakhi Mandals of this area, respectively, 104 villagers of Self-Service Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal, Ujjwal Sakhi Mandal, Jyoti Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal, Jagriti Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal, Vikas Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal, Daya Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal and Gulab Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal Women did it.
The main objective of the Save the Jungle campaign is to save the forests and protect the environment, which has been started by the sisters of Sakhi Mandal.
This effort started from the month of April, under which the women divided themselves into 4 groups and worked as a guard in these areas of the forest from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 to 6 pm daily.
These women, who are emphasising the campaign of environmental protection with a stick in their hands, also count trees daily, so that the reduction in the number of trees can be known. Every day women gather at one place, then divide into different groups and guard the forests. For strictness, everyone has decided together that if a woman escapes her responsibility without informing, then she will have to pay a fine of Rs 200 so that strictness in this social campaign and protection of the environment can be ensured.