Question

Explain the Chipko movement and then explain the need to conserve forests. [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Definition: 1 Mark
Explanation: 2 Marks

'Chipko Movement' ('Hug the Trees Movement') originated in a remote village called Reni in Garhwal during the early 1970s. On a particular day, the women of the village reached the forest and clasped the tree thus preventing the workers from felling the trees.

The need to conserve the forest as taken paramount importance because

(i) There are large number of species, both plants and animals that are found in the forest. However, the range of different life forms is also important in orderto preserve the biodiversity we have inherited.

(ii) Forests are the only source of timber, wood, fuel, bamboo, fodder and a rich source of variety of valuable products.