The Chipko movement started in central Himalayas was around in .....

The correct answer is - 1970s

Key Points

• Chipko Movement
  • The Chipko Movement was an environmental conservation initiative in India aimed at protecting forests from deforestation.
  • It originated in the 1970s in the Uttarakhand region (then part of Uttar Pradesh) of the Central Himalayas.
  • Villagers, especially women, practiced a non-violent protest by hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down by contractors.
  • The movement gained widespread attention and became a symbol of grassroots environmental activism.
  • The term "Chipko" translates to "hug" in Hindi, reflecting the strategy of embracing trees to protect them.

Additional Information

• Key Figures
  • Sunderlal Bahuguna was a prominent leader of the movement. He played a significant role in advocating for environmental conservation and raising awareness about deforestation.
  • Gaura Devi, a local woman leader, led the first protest in 1974 at Reni village, which became a turning point in the movement.
• Impact of the Movement
  • The Chipko Movement contributed to a 15-year ban on commercial logging in the Himalayan region imposed by the Indian government in 1980.
  • It inspired similar environmental movements globally, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development.
• Significance
  • It is regarded as one of the earliest and most successful grassroots environmental movements in India.
  • The movement emphasized the role of women in environmental conservation, highlighting their active involvement in protecting natural resources.