Question

Chipko-Andolan (Hug the trees movement) is the well-known example of conservation of which form of nature?
(a) Jungle
(b) Water
(c) Coal
(d) Petroleum

Answer 1

Hint: A movement that is remembered for its non-violent and peaceful methods which were persuasive enough for the government to accept the demands of villagers. It began in 1973 and has influenced many important environmental laws of the country.

Complete answer:
Chipko movement was started in Garhwal Himalayas in 1974 where local women showed enormous bravery and courage in protecting trees from the axe of a contractor by hugging the trees. It was launched by Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sunder Lal Bahuguna in the Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalayas. With the era of infrastructural development, many foreign companies were given license by the government to use forest or jungle resources while restrictions were imposed on the local agriculturists on cutting trees for fuelwood or fodder. Further, the gross mismanagement by the company led to a widespread flood in the area. After fruitless multiple appeals to the government, Chandi Prasad led a group of villagers to embrace the trees of the forest to prevent it from falling. After days of agitation, the license of the companies was finally canceled.
So, the correct answer is ‘ Jungle.’

Additional Information: The origin of Chipko Andolan could be traced back in the 18th century when a large number of women from the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan laid down their lives by hugging the trees and preventing its felling against the order of Maharaja of Jodhpur. They were led by a Bishnoi woman Amrita Devi who sacrificed her life along with her three daughters. To commemorate her will and sacrifice to protect nature, The Government of India introduced the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award for any community or individual who dedicates their life in protecting the wildlife.

Note: The forests are a valuable natural resource for humans. For tribal communities, forests are sacred and their livelihood depends upon it who consider it as common property. Joint Forest Management (JFM) has been introduced by the Government of India in 1988 through the National Forest Policy that aims to work closely with the communities in protecting and managing forests. This partnership will benefit the communities too with the accessibility of various forest produce.