Chipko movement was first led by :-

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Sunderlal Bahuguna.

The Chipko Movement, initiated in the 1970s in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), was a forest conservation movement where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down. Sunderlal Bahuguna, a prominent environmentalist, was one of the key leaders and propagators of this movement.

Key Features of the Chipko Movement:

Origin and Purpose:

• Began in 1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

• Aimed at protecting forests from large-scale commercial deforestation.

Leadership:

• Initially led by local women, but Sunderlal Bahuguna played a vital role in spreading awareness and providing leadership to the movement.

Slogan and Philosophy:

• Sunderlal Bahuguna coined the famous slogan, “Ecology is permanent economy.”

• Advocated for sustainable use of forest resources and non-violent resistance.

Additional Information:

 Rajiv Gandhi

• Role:

• Rajiv Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989.

• He was known for his vision of modernizing India and introducing technological and economic reforms.

• Contributions:

• Technological Advancement:

• Promoted the use of computers and telecommunications in India.

• Played a crucial role in laying the foundation for India’s IT revolution.

• Economic Reforms:

• Liberalized India’s economy by reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses.

• Environmental Initiatives:

• Strengthened India’s participation in global environmental forums.

• Promoted afforestation projects.

• Legislation:

• Introduced the Anti-Defection Law to curb political instability.

• Advocated for local self-governance through the Panchayati Raj system.

Ramdeo Misra

• Role:

• Known as the Father of Ecology in India, Ramdeo Misra made significant contributions to ecological and environmental studies in India.

• Contributions:

• Ecological Research:

• Conducted pioneering research on plant ecology, focusing on ecosystems and their interactions.

• Academic Work:

• Established ecology as a distinct discipline in Indian universities.

• Contributed extensively to understanding biodiversity and conservation.

• Sustainable Development:

• Advocated for balancing ecological preservation with economic growth.

• Recognition:

• Played an influential role in shaping India’s policies on natural resource management.

Indira Gandhi

• Role:

• Served as India’s first female Prime Minister during two tenures: 1966–1977 and 1980–1984.

• Known for her strong leadership and decisive governance.

• Contributions:

• Environmental Conservation:

• Launched the Project Tiger in 1973 to protect tigers and their habitats.

• Enacted the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which laid the foundation for wildlife conservation in India.

• Economic Policies:

• Introduced the Green Revolution, which significantly boosted agricultural productivity in India.

• Political Leadership:

• Nationalized banks and abolished privy purses to reduce economic disparities.

• Strengthened India’s foreign policy and defense capabilities.

• Social Development:

• Advocated for women’s empowerment and education.

• Promoted rural development programs to uplift marginalized communities.