Jamuna Tudu: The Woman Who Stood Against Timber Mafia to Save Forests

Jamuna Tudu, known as Lady Tarzan, has become a beacon of hope in Jharkhand, leading a courageous fight against the timber mafia to protect forests. With her grassroots movement, she formed numerous forest protection committees and inspired her community to embrace conservation. Despite facing threats and violence, her relentless dedication has garnered recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri award. Her story exemplifies the power of community action in environmental protection, making a lasting impact on local traditions and practices. Explore her inspiring journey and the changes she has brought to her village.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 15:21 IST

A Brave Fight for Forest Conservation

Jamuna Tudu, a determined woman from a village in Jharkhand, has become a symbol of resistance against the timber mafia. She rallied a group of activists to protect 50 hectares of forest land, armed only with bows and arrows. Known as Lady Tarzan, she has a unique tradition of tying rakhis to trees during Rakshabandhan. Originally from Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, she relocated to Muturkham village in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, after her marriage in 1998. Surrounded by forests, she was alarmed by their rapid depletion while gathering firewood, prompting her to embark on a mission to safeguard these vital resources.

In 1998, Jamuna established the Van Suraksha Samiti (Forest Protection Committee) with five other women. Gaining the villagers' support was her first challenge, as they relied on the forest for firewood. She encouraged them to utilize smaller branches, preserving the trees. As her efforts garnered attention from the State Forest Conservation Fund, the community began to recognize her dedication.

Jamuna inspired other women to join her cause, arming themselves to fend off the timber mafia. In an interview with a media outlet, she reminisced about their patrols: "We ventured deep into the forest, enjoying its beauty. When tired, we would rest under the trees, forgetting our troubles, singing songs, and sharing stories. However, we always carried bows, daggers, and sticks for protection, as danger lurked nearby. We often faced threats from the mafia, who claimed ownership of the forest and warned us against opposing them."

Undeterred by intimidation, Jamuna expanded her outreach to neighboring areas, establishing 200 to 300 forest protection committees to combat the timber mafia. These groups took turns guarding the forests around the clock. Despite facing life-threatening situations, including death threats and assaults, she remained steadfast in her mission. Her perseverance eventually attracted support from local authorities, with the Jharkhand Police and Forest Department collaborating with her organization to enhance forest protection.

Today, Jamuna's impact is evident in her village's customs, where women plant 18 trees for a girl’s birth and 10 for a marriage, embodying her conservation message. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to environmental protection, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019.