Question

Write short note.

Chipko movement

Answer 1

1. It was started by Amrita Devi. It is a unique movement. From its very inception and throughout the course; it is marked by the Gandhian principle of non-violence and is known for the active participation of women in it.
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. Most of the Chamoli district is covered by forests. The livelihood of inhabitants residing there is closely linked to the forests.
3. Loss of means of livelihood affected and angered people leading to the emergence of the movement. In April 1973, when the contractors along with the 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.
4. The action happened at a mass level, as a result of which the authorities had to retreat. 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 to protest against deforestation