Correct option is B
Sundarlal Bahuguna was a prominent environmentalist who led the Chipko Movement, a grassroots environmental movement in India during the 1970s. The movement was aimed at protecting trees and forests from deforestation by encouraging villagers, particularly women, to embrace trees and prevent them from being cut down. It was a pioneering effort in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Information Booster The Chipko Movement originated in the Uttarakhand region (then part of Uttar Pradesh). Its key features include:
· Non-violent protest: Inspired by Gandhian principles, the movement relied on peaceful methods of resistance.
· Women’s leadership: Women played a central role, recognizing the importance of forests for their livelihoods and community well-being.
· Environmental impact: The movement highlighted the need for sustainable resource management and conservation.
Sundarlal Bahuguna also raised awareness about the ecological impact of large-scale deforestation, linking it to floods, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. His slogan, “Ecology is the permanent economy,” emphasized the need for environmental sustainability.
Additional Knowledge
· (a) Bhoodan Andolan: Led by Vinoba Bhave, this movement encouraged land redistribution among the landless, unrelated to the Chipko Movement.
· (c) Anti-corruption Movement: This refers to various movements, such as those led by Anna Hazare, aimed at fighting corruption in India. It is unrelated to Sundarlal Bahuguna.
· (d) Democratic participation of local bodies: This is a broader concept of strengthening local governance, not associated with Sundarlal Bahuguna’s environmental activism.