CHIPKO ANDOLAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: The Chipko Andolan lost its ground at home, but its legacy lies in people’s ecological movements that emerged elsewhere in the country.

Chipko Andolan

• About: It is also known as the Chipko Andolan, emerged as a protest against logging in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India, gaining momentum in the early 1970s.
• Origin: The term "Chipko" derives from the act of hugging trees, as locals, particularly women, embraced trees to deter loggers, symbolizing the unity of humanity and nature.
• Inspired by: Bishnoi community in Rajasthan
• Causes of the Movement:, The Chipko Movement arose amid rampant deforestation in the 1970s, which was identified as a leading cause of devastating floods that claimed over 200 lives in the region.
• Scope of the Movement: The non-violent agitation began in Uttar Pradesh's Chamoli district (now Uttarakhand) in 1973, with villagers encircling and hugging trees to prevent their destruction, leading to a change in societal attitudes, particularly regarding women's roles.
• Achievements of the Movement: The Chipko Movement's notable achievements include raising awareness of forest rights, influencing policy-making on ecological matters, and securing a ban on commercial tree felling above certain altitudes and slopes in 1981.
• Leadership: Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Sundarlal Bahuguna, and Gaura Devi, whose leadership and advocacy played pivotal roles in organizing communities and spearheading resistance efforts.
• Impact and Legacy: The Chipko Movement's impact transcended regional boundaries, inspiring similar movements across India and globally, shaping environmental policy, and empowering indigenous communities in their fight against deforestation and environmental degradation.