Explain Chipko Movement.

The Chipko Movement emerged in the 1970s in the Himalayan region of India as a grassroots environmental movement aimed at protecting forests from deforestation and promoting sustainable resource management. "Chipko" means "to hug" or "to cling" in Hindi, symbolizing the act of villagers embracing trees to prevent their felling.

Led primarily by women from rural communities, the Chipko Movement protested against commercial logging practices that threatened their livelihoods, local ecosystems, and watersheds. Women played a central role in the movement, drawing attention to the interconnectedness of environmental degradation and the well-being of communities, particularly women who relied on forests for fuel, fodder, and water.

The movement gained international recognition for its innovative and nonviolent methods of resistance. Villagers engaged in tree-hugging protests, forming human barricades around trees slated for logging, and asserting their rights to forest resources. These acts of resistance not only protected trees but also empowered marginalized communities to assert their rights and demand a say in decisions affecting their environment and livelihoods.

The Chipko Movement had a significant impact on environmental policy in India, leading to the implementation of community-based forestry initiatives and the recognition of villagers' rights to participate in forest management. It also inspired similar movements around the world, highlighting the power of grassroots activism in defending the environment and promoting sustainable development.

In summary, the Chipko Movement was a landmark environmental movement characterized by its grassroots nature, nonviolent tactics, and emphasis on community empowerment. It remains a powerful example of how local communities can mobilize to protect their natural resources and advocate for environmental justice.