Context:
50 years of Chipko Movement
Chipko movement:
- Non-violent protest to prevent felling of trees in Himalayas
- Held in – Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh) in 1973
- Leaders – Sundarlal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi, etc.
- Historical Significance – Influenced by Rajasthan’s Bishnoi community’s efforts in 18th century to save sacred trees.
- Renowned for – Collective mobilization of women manifesting the philosophy of Eco-feminism.
- Eco-feminism – Philosophical and political movement that examines connections between ecological concerns and women.
Other Important Environment Movements:
- Narmada Bachao Andolan (1985) – Led by Medha Patkar against construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam across Narmada.
- Appiko Movement (1980s) – Held in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, embracing trees to prevent deforestation.
- Silent Valley Movement (1973) – To save a rainforest from being flooded for a hydroelectric project in Kerala.
- Jungle Bachao Andholan (1982) – Protest started by tribals of Bihar against deforestation
- Tehri Dam Agitation – Led by Sundarlal Bahuguna in Uttarakhand
Source: Down To Earth
Previous Year Question
‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Constitutional reforms
(b) Ganga Action Plan
(c) Linking of rivers
(d) Protection of Western Ghats
Answer: (d)
