Question

Discuss any five effects of environment movements you have studied.

Answer 1

1. The environmental movement does not have a monolithic profile. It has a broad scope. It encompasses issues related to ecology, health, human rights, tribal rights, eco-feminism etc. To appreciate the broad spectrum of the movement it is important to note that the movement is more like a series of independent but constituent revolts, insurgencies and rebellions.
2. Harsh Sethi has presented five prominent categories of struggles associated with environmentalism, namely, (i) forest and forest resources, (ii) land use, (iii) water, (iv) anti-dam and (v) against different types of pollution and marine resources. Some significant environmental movements are mentioned below. So we will see the effects of these movements as follows:
3. The Chipko Movement took place in 1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand where villagers and women in large numbers hugged the trees and the contractors reached the villages to cut the tree. The women of the village also participated in the protest. This incident boosted the morale of several other groups facing similar problems to get together and protest against deforestation and save the forest. 
4. When it was realised that the building of a dam would deprive local inhabitants of their livelihood and displace them, the need to mobilise and protest against such a venture was felt. In 1985, the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) emerged as one of the most powerful resistance movements under the leadership of Medha Patkar. This movement suggested the use of alternative methods for the generation of electricity and adequate rehabilitation of the displaced.
5. The Narmada Bachao Andolan has brought issues of sustainable development to the forefront. The environmental movement continues to gather new dimensions as a modernising society revises its demands and requirements to ensure the well-being of all people.