Urban Environmental Protests: Chipko Legacy in Cities

Syllabus: GS3/Environment; Conservation

Context

• Recently, Pune in Maharashtra witnessed a resurgence of debate between development and environmental conservation after ‘Chalo Chipko’ protest against the Pune Riverfront Development Project, echoing the spirit of the Chipko Movement of 1970s.

About the Chipko Movement

• It began in 1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh).
• It was led by villagers, particularly women, who physically embraced trees to prevent their felling by government-backed logging operation.
• Prominent figures like Sunderlal Bahuguna and Gaura Devi played a vital role in mobilizing people and highlighting the link between environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Key Features

• Grassroots Activism: The movement was led by local communities, especially rural women, who understood the ecological value of forests for their survival.
• Non-Violent Resistance: Inspired by Gandhian principles, the protesters used peaceful means such as tree-hugging and sit-ins to prevent deforestation.
• Environmental Awareness: The movement raised awareness about the importance of forests in preventing soil erosion, sustaining agriculture, and maintaining biodiversity.
• Policy Impact: The protests eventually led to a government-imposed ban on commercial deforestation in the Himalayan region in 1980.

Urban Environmental Protests: Chipko Legacy in Cities

• Cities face unique environmental issues such as air pollution, water scarcity, loss of green spaces, and climate change-induced disasters. 
• In response, urban activists and citizens have taken a stand to protect the environment through protests, legal action, and advocacy.

Contemporary Urban Environmental Protests Inspired by Chipko:

• Save Aarey Forest Movement (Mumbai, Maharashtra): It emerged to protest against the felling of over 2,700 trees in the Aarey Colony for a metro car shed project.
  • Activists and residents used Chipko-style protests, hugging trees and forming human chains to prevent deforestation.
• Save Aravalli Campaign (Gurugram): Residents and environmentalists have been protesting illegal mining and real estate encroachments in the Aravalli hills, emphasizing the range’s role in air purification and as a barrier against desertification.
• Citizen-Led Protests Against Air Pollution (Delhi & NCR): Delhi frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities.
  • Campaigns like Right to Clean Air and My Right to Breathe have demanded policy changes similar to how Chipko activists fought for forest protection.
• Save Lakes Movements (Bengaluru & Hyderabad): Campaigns such as SaveBellandur Lake and Save Ulsoor Lake aim to protect the city’s rapidly disappearing water bodies from pollution and encroachment.
  • Citizen groups have staged protests, filed public interest litigations (PILs), and organized clean-up drives, echoing the Chipko spirit of local community action.
• Raahgiri Movement (Gurugram & Other Cities): It advocates for pedestrian-friendly and vehicle-free streets to reduce urban pollution and promote sustainable urban mobility.
  • Similar to Chipko, it is a community-led initiative focusing on reclaiming public spaces for people rather than vehicles.

Challenges & Future of Environmental Protests

• Government & Corporate Resistance: Large-scale infrastructure projects often prioritize economic gains over environmental concerns.
• Public Apathy: Unlike the direct impact of deforestation on rural communities, urban environmental issues can feel distant to many city dwellers.
• Legal Battles: Environmental protests frequently lead to long and complex legal battles, delaying solutions.
  • However, with increasing climate awareness and the rise of youth-led movements like Fridays for Future India, environmental activism is gaining momentum.

Conclusion

• The legacy of the Chipko Movement extends beyond its immediate achievements. It has become a symbol of grassroots activism and ecological consciousness, inspiring environmental movements worldwide. 
• The movement’s emphasis on nonviolent resistance and community involvement continues to resonate with contemporary environmental activists.

Source: TH