Explain Chipko Movement.

The Chipko Movement, originating in the Indian state of Uttarakhand (formerly part of Uttar Pradesh) in the 1970s, was a grassroots environmental movement aimed at protecting forests from deforestation and commercial exploitation. "Chipko" means "to hug" or "to cling" in Hindi, symbolizing the act of villagers embracing trees to prevent them from being felled by loggers.

Led predominantly by rural women, the Chipko Movement emerged in response to rampant deforestation and unsustainable logging practices that threatened local livelihoods and ecosystems. Women, who relied heavily on forests for firewood, fodder, and other resources, played a central role in the movement, highlighting the interconnectedness between environmental degradation and the well-being of communities.

The Chipko Movement employed nonviolent tactics such as tree-hugging, sit-ins, and protests to resist the destruction of forests. Women and men would form human chains around trees or physically embrace them, effectively obstructing loggers from carrying out their activities.

One of the most iconic incidents of the Chipko Movement occurred in 1974 in the village of Mandal, where villagers, predominantly women, successfully prevented the felling of trees by logging contractors. This event garnered widespread attention and inspired similar protests across the region and beyond.

The Chipko Movement not only raised awareness about the importance of forests for local communities but also catalyzed policy changes and conservation efforts. The government responded to the movement's demands by implementing measures to regulate logging and promote sustainable forest management practices.

Overall, the Chipko Movement is celebrated as a significant milestone in the history of environmental activism, demonstrating the power of grassroots mobilization, nonviolent resistance, and community solidarity in protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development.