Question

Write short note.

Chipko Movement

Answer 1

1. Chipko Movement was started by Amrita Devi. It is a unique movement marked by the Gandhian principle of non-violence. It is known for the active participation of women.
2. Chipko stands for ‘hug-the-tree’. The movement was started in March 1973, in Chamoli district in the Himalayan region under the leadership of Sunderlal Bahuguna.
3. Most of the Chamoli district is covered by forests. The livelihood of inhabitants residing there is closely linked to the forests. However, demographic and economic factors led to deforestation.
4. People involved in developmental projects challenged the established claim of local people on forests. Loss of means of livelihood angered people, leading to the emergence of the movement. 
5. In April 1973, when the contractors and workers reached Mandal village to cut trees and to clear jungles spaces allotted to them by the State government, the inhabitants hugged the trees, to resist and to mark their protest.
6. The action happened at a mass level. As a result, the authorities had to retreat.
7. This incident boosted the morale of several other groups facing similar problems to get together and to protest against deforestation.