Question

Where and how did "Chipko Andolan" start in our country? How did this movement ultimately benefit the local people? 

 

 

Answer 1

The Chipko Andolan originated in a remote village in Garhwal, called Reni, during early 1970s. This movement started from an incident of dispute between the local villagers and a logging contractor who had been allowed to cut trees in a forest close to the village. When the contractor's workers went to the forest to cut the trees, the women of the village reached the forest quickly and hugged the tree trunks, thus, preventing the workers from cutting the trees. Ultimately, the contractor had to withdraw. The movement soon became very popular and quickly spread to various communities across the country.
Chipko movement was a simple approach towards saving the trees and conservation of the forests from being destroyed. This movement helped in the preservation of local traditions, cultures as well as in the environment protection as the people could get basic necessities from the forest such as shelter and food for the cattles. This movement was also helpful in maintaining ecological balance.