Chipko Movement was strengthened under the leadership of

Correct Answer: d. Sundar Lal Bahuguna

The Chipko movement was strengthened under the leadership of Sundar Lal Bahuguna, a well-known environmentalist from Uttarakhand, whose dedication inspired generations to fight for nature. The Chipko Movement is one of the most famous environmental movements in India. It gained massive recognition in the 1970s when people, especially women, hugged trees to protect them from being cut down. This unique method of protest helped create awareness about forest conservation.

Role of Sundar Lal Bahuguna in the Chipko Movement

Though the Chipko Movement began as a local initiative by villagers, it was Sundar Lal Bahuguna who gave it a national voice. A Gandhian by thought and a dedicated environmentalist, Bahuguna travelled from village to village, spreading awareness about the importance of forests. He explained how deforestation caused soil erosion, water scarcity, and long-term environmental damage.

Bahuguna’s most significant contribution was turning a small regional protest into a full-fledged environmental movement. He led foot marches across the Himalayas and even fasted to bring national attention to the cause. His slogan, “Ecology is the permanent economy” captured the movement’s message in a simple and powerful way.

What Was the Chipko Movement All About?

The Chipko Movement, which started in the early 1970s in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), was a forest conservation movement. The word ‘Chipko’ means ‘to hug’ in Hindi, and that’s exactly what villagers did, they hugged trees to stop loggers from cutting them down. The aim was simple: protect forests, which were vital for their livelihood, environment, and future.

The movement started as a reaction to the government’s decision to allow commercial logging in forests used by local communities. The forests were not just wood sources, they provided food, fuel, fodder, and prevented landslides. By hugging the trees, villagers sent a clear message: if you cut these trees, you’ll have to cut us first.

Contributions of Local Communities, Especially Women

The strength of the Chipko Movement also came from the involvement of ordinary villagers—especially women. In fact, many of the initial protests were led by women who depended on the forest for their daily needs. These women understood the value of trees better than anyone because their lives were directly tied to them.

One such incident happened in Reni village, where Gaura Devi, a local woman, led a group of women to stop contractors from cutting trees. They surrounded the trees and refused to move until the workers left. This brave stand became a symbol of people’s power and community-led conservation.

Quick Facts about the Chipko Movement

• Origin: 1970s, Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh)
• Meaning: ‘Chipko’ = ‘to hug’
• Main leader: Sundar Lal Bahuguna
• Key incident: Gaura Devi’s protest in Reni village
• Impact: Ban on tree felling in Himalayan regions, improved forest laws
• Famous slogan: “Ecology is permanent economy”

Summary

Question: Chipko Movement was strengthened under the leadership of
Answer: Chipko Movement was strengthened under the leadership of Sundar Lal Bahuguna.
The Chipko Movement was more than just a protest; it was a powerful reminder of the bond between humans and nature. Strengthened under the leadership of Sundar Lal Bahuguna, it became a symbol of environmental consciousness in India. From hugging trees to changing laws, the movement left a lasting impact that continues to shape environmental thinking in the country.

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