CHALO CHIPKO: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: Tree-hugging
protest against Pune riverfront project reignites development vs nature debate
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
The resurgence of the 'Chalo
Chipko' protest in Pune echoes the 1970s Chipko Movement, spotlighting the
ongoing conflict between development and environmental conservation.
Resurgence
of Grassroots Activism
- Context and Trigger: The 'Chalo Chipko' protest in
Pune is a modern reflection of the historical Chipko Movement, emphasizing
the struggle against the Pune Riverfront Development Project.
- Core Issue: This event highlights the broader conflict
between urban development pressures and the need for environmental
preservation.
Historical
and Modern Context of Environmental Activism
The
Genesis of the Chipko Movement
- Rooted in Rural Advocacy: The Chipko Movement began in
1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, then part of Uttar Pradesh.
The immediate trigger was the government's decision to allot a plot of
forest area to a sports goods company, which led to widespread local
protest.
- Methodology and Philosophy: Villagers, especially women,
embraced trees to shield them from being cut down, symbolizing their
commitment to environmental conservation. This non-violent protest was
influenced by Gandhian principles, which emphasize peaceful resistance.
Key
Figures and Their Contributions
- Leadership Roles: Sunderlal Bahuguna and Gaura
Devi became prominent faces of the movement. Bahuguna's extensive
padyatras (foot marches) and speeches communicated the importance of
forests for ecological balance, while Gaura Devi led the actual
tree-hugging protests, showing remarkable leadership in mobilizing women.
Impact
on Environmental Policy and Legacy
- Immediate Impacts: The movement's success in
halting deforestation was instrumental in the eventual establishment of
strict regulations on tree felling in the Himalayan regions by 1980.
- Inspirational Legacy: Beyond its immediate
successes, the Chipko Movement left a lasting legacy as a symbol of
effective grassroots activism, inspiring numerous environmental campaigns
globally and in India.
Contemporary
Urban Environmental Movements: Adapting Chipko’s Legacy
- Urban Challenges: Modern urban environmental
movements address issues like air pollution, water scarcity, loss of
biodiversity, and the urban heat island effect, which are distinctly
different from the rural focus of the Chipko Movement.
- Adaptation of Tactics: These movements utilize a mix
of old and new tactics, from traditional sit-ins and tree hugs to digital
campaigns and public interest litigations, to engage a more diverse and
tech-savvy urban population.
Notable
Urban Movements Inspired by Chipko
- Save Aarey Forest Movement: Activists in Mumbai used
Chipko-style protests to oppose the felling of trees for a metro car shed,
drawing direct inspiration from Chipko's non-violent resistance.
- Save Aravalli Campaign: This movement focuses on
stopping illegal mining and real estate development in the Aravalli range,
crucial for maintaining regional air quality and ecological balance.
- Citizen-Led Campaigns in Delhi: Faced with severe air
pollution, movements like "Right to Clean Air" and "My
Right to Breathe" have been pivotal in advocating for sustainable
urban planning and stricter pollution control measures.
Challenges
and Future Directions
- Navigating Complex Political and Economic
Landscapes:
Modern movements often face complex challenges, including resistance from
powerful real estate and industrial lobbies and sometimes apathetic
government responses.
- Engaging a Disconnected Urban Population: Unlike the direct dependency
on forests of the rural Chipko protesters, urban dwellers often lack a
visible connection to the environmental issues at stake, making public
mobilization and sustained engagement challenging.
Rising
Youth Involvement and Global Connectivity
- Global Youth Movements: Movements like Fridays for
Future show a resurgence in youth-led activism, with young leaders using
global platforms to highlight local issues and seek international support
and solidarity.
- Educational and Awareness Campaigns: These movements are
increasingly focusing on education and awareness to deepen public
understanding of environmental issues and foster a culture of
conservation.
Conclusion
The legacy of the Chipko Movement
is profound and multifaceted, extending well beyond its initial successes in
forest conservation to inspire a global environmental movement. Its emphasis on
grassroots activism, non-violent protest, and community involvement remains
relevant and is being adapted to meet the challenges and opportunities of
modern urban environmental crises.
Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/120312/OPS/G0SE0KHIO.1+GCLE0KIA1.1.html