As informed in the previous article, India was amongst the first few countries to start the environment movements. It is the first country where the modern conservation movement was started in 1830s, with the practical application of scientific conservation principles. At that time the reason of movement was depletion of natural resources due to over consumption and exploitation. Since then population and pollution has been increased many folds, affecting the environment severely directly and indirectly.

 

Many activists have fought against the unsustainable development, improper policies and projects of government and private firms. The most influential part of the environmental movement in India is the anti-dam and anti-deforestation movement. Activists in the Indian environmental movement also consider global warming and sea levels rising to be the biggest challenges.

 

Some of the major environmental movements in India are enlisted here.

 

Chipko movement (Stick to a Tree Movement), 1974

After independence, the first important foundation which led us against over consumption and exploitation of natural resources was Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh, a labor cooperative started by Chandi Prasad Bhatt founded in 1964. This initiative was eventually followed up with the Chipko movement (Stick to a Tree Movement) starting in 1974. It was led by Chandni Prasad Bhatt and Sunderlal Bahuguna. Chipko movement in the lower and middle Himalayas, was a people?s revolt on firm ground. And they did it simply: by hugging trees when the woodmen came to axe them.

 

 

The Silent Valley Project, 1978

The Silent Valley hydroelectric project was to dam a river in a South Indian state, submerging the entire biosphere reserve and destroying its four-million-year-old rainforests. After a huge opposition by local activists and on the basis of a project review committee?s recommendation, the project was stopped.

 

 

Jungle Bachao Andolan (Save Forests Movement), 1980s

This movement was a protest against government of India?s program to replace the natural ?Sal forests? with highly-priced teak. Again it was a protest by common people, local activists and especially and most importantly by the tribes of India.

 

 

Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save River Narmada Movement, 1985)

This movement was again an anti-dam protest by tribes, farmers, environmentalist and human rights activists. The two important leaders of this social movement are Medha Patkar and Baba Amte. This movement used hunger strikes and other campaigning modes to strengthen the support in favor of the cause.

 

Other than these four major movements, India has a national campaign against Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola plants due to their practices of drawing ground water and contaminating fields with sludge. Also, Jhola Aandolan (Bag Movement) is a mass movement against polyethylene carry-bags uses and promoting cloth/jute/paper carry bags to protect environment & nature.