**Chipko Movement in India: A Landmark Environmental Struggle**

*By Best Sainik School Entrance Exam Coaching, Sainik Institute, Lucknow*

The Chipko Movement, which began in the 1970s in India, is one of the most significant and iconic environmental movements in the world. The movement, which advocated for the preservation of forests, became a symbol of grassroots activism and community-driven environmental conservation. Led predominantly by rural women, it highlighted the critical importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.

In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and impact of the Chipko Movement, examining its role in shaping India’s environmental policy and the ways in which it continues to inspire environmental activism today.

### **Origins of the Chipko Movement**

The Chipko Movement (meaning “to hug” or “to embrace” in Hindi) began in the state of Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttar Pradesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The movement took root in the early 1970s, during a time when the Indian government was increasingly granting timber contracts to commercial companies to exploit the region’s valuable forests. These actions led to widespread deforestation, which, in turn, caused soil erosion, the drying up of water sources, and a serious threat to local agricultural practices.

The spark for the Chipko Movement was a protest led by local villagers, particularly women, against the felling of trees in their area. The term “Chipko” came into being when villagers, led by women, physically hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down. This direct action of embracing trees was a powerful visual protest against the exploitation of natural resources for commercial gain.

### **Key Figures and Leaders**

The Chipko Movement is often associated with **Sunderlal Bahuguna**, an environmentalist from Uttarakhand, who played a significant role in galvanizing public support for the cause. Bahuguna’s efforts focused on raising awareness about the environmental degradation caused by unchecked deforestation and the importance of sustainable forest management.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role played by **Gaura Devi** and other rural women in the movement. In 1974, when a contractor’s men came to cut trees in the village of Reni, Gaura Devi, along with other women, physically prevented the workers from felling the trees by wrapping their arms around the trunks. This act of bravery and resistance became a symbol of the movement and demonstrated the active role that women played in environmental protection.