Environmental Movements
India, endowed with vast natural resources such as forests, rivers, and biodiversity, has historically provided sustenance and livelihoods especially to tribal communities and economically marginalized groups. However, rapid industrialization and state-led development projects often came at a heavy environmental cost, leading to widespread degradation and displacement of these vulnerable populations. The marginalized sections of society, despite facing severe threats to their habitats and ways of life, frequently found themselves at odds with powerful state and corporate interests, struggling to voice their concerns and protect their environments.
Environmental movements in India represent a significant category of new social movements. Unlike traditional class-based movements, these mobilizations emphasize ecological concerns and the rights of those most affected by environmental harm—tribals, women, and other disadvantaged groups. The movements articulate meaningful claims, including the right to a secure means of subsistence, protection of natural resources, and recognition of the rights of displaced persons. A hallmark of these struggles is their nonviolent methods, including peaceful protests, tree-hugging, and hunger strikes, which emphasize ethical stewardship of the environment. These movements also successfully broadened participation by including previously underrepresented groups, thereby democratizing environmental activism. Importantly, such efforts have led to tangible policy impacts, prompting the enactment of laws aimed at conservation and sustainable development.
One of the earliest and most iconic environmental movements in India is the Chipko Movement, which originated in the forests of Uttarakhand. Women activists famously hugged trees to prevent their felling by commercial loggers, symbolizing a direct and emotive resistance to deforestation. Closely related is the Appiko Movement of 1983 in Karnataka, initiated by Pandurang Hegde. “Appiko” meaning “to embrace,” echoed Chipko’s spirit by advocating afforestation and sustainable forest use. Both movements emphasized local ecological knowledge and community rights.
In Jharkhand’s Singhbhum district, the Jungle Bachao Andolan arose in 1982 as a protest against government plans to replace natural forests with commercial teak plantations. Critics described this move as "Greed Game Political Populism," highlighting the clash between commercial interests and ecological preservation.
Perhaps the most widely recognized environmental movement in India is the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), ongoing since 1985. This movement opposes the construction of large dams on the Narmada river, which threaten to displace thousands of local inhabitants and cause significant environmental damage. Led by figures like Medha Patkar and Baba Amte, the NBA employed hunger strikes and attracted support from artists and activists nationwide. Their efforts were internationally acknowledged when they received the Right Livelihood Award in 1991. The NBA remains a powerful symbol of grassroots environmental and social justice activism.
Similarly, the Tehri Dam Conflict during the 1980s and 1990s in Uttarakhand focused on the ecological and safety concerns associated with constructing a large dam in a seismically sensitive zone. Activists protested against the submergence of forests, farmland, and towns, highlighting the risk of ecological disaster.
In Kerala, the Movement Against the Use of Endosulfan emerged due to the devastating health and environmental impacts of the pesticide sprayed extensively on cashew plantations near Kasaragod. The people’s sustained protests eventually led to a ban on Endosulfan spraying and compensation for affected victims, demonstrating the power of grassroots mobilization against environmental toxins.
In conclusion, environmental movements in India have played a crucial role in protecting natural resources and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. These movements have evolved from local forest protection initiatives to broader campaigns against harmful development projects and chemical use, combining ethical activism with political engagement. By incorporating nonviolent protest, inclusive participation, and policy advocacy, India’s environmental movements continue to shape the nation’s path toward sustainable development and social justice.