Question

Which of the following options(s) are true regarding the Chipko Movement?

• A. The Chipko Movement was a peasant and women’s movement for forest rights and were largely decentralized and autonomous.
• B. In addition to the characteristic “tree hugging,” the protestors used satyagraha (non-violent resistance) against the forest contractors
• C. The movement was led by Chandi Prasad Bhat and Sunderlal Bahuguna.
• D. The movement was successful in only a few villages and failed to expand to other regions.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The movement was led by Chandi Prasad Bhat and Sunderlal Bahuguna.

In 1974, the forest department of the state of Uttarakhand marked trees for felling in the local forest near Reni village. Around 640 hectares were auctioned to the forest contractor. However, the women of the village came together and hugged trees to prevent them from felling. They used non-violent means in their protest. This protest came to be known as the Chipko Movement. Though the movement was led by Sundarlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhat, women participated widely in the protest. The movement was successful and quickly spread to other regions in the state to prevent deforestation and protect the ecology in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and former Uttaranchal.