What is the Chipko movement?
The Chipko movement is a non-violent movement started by Indian villagers in the 1970s and 1980s, to protest against the destruction of trees and forests, which were important resources that they depend on. The movement started in the Chamoli district in 1973 and spread throughout India. Chipko activists would protest against the cutting down of trees by hugging them and preventing the workers from doing their job. This action represents the name of the movement as Chipko means “embrace”. They are probably Asia’s first treehuggers. An interesting thing about the movement was that its leaders and activists were mostly women from the rural villages, as they were directly affected by the deforestation. One major milestone for the Chipko movement was the 15-year ban on the cutting of trees in the Himalayan forests of Uttar Pradesh in 1980, which was ordered by the Indian Prime Minister after protests and appeals by the activists. More resources on the Chipko movement and heritage can be fo
