LADY SHRI RAM COLLEGE FOR WOMEN

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
ASSIGNMENT

SUBMITTED BY:
Khushi (23/1200)
Riddhima Khandelwal (23/0933)
Sneha Kundu (23/0987)
Sushmita Singh (23/0326)
Supriya Attri (23/1202)
Anshu (23/1150)
Diksha Yadav (23/ 0250)
SEMESTER AND DEPARTMENT: 1st semester, Political Science
INTRODUCTION
The Appiko Movement, synonymous with the Chipko Movement, in southern India
emerged as a powerful grassroots response to the ecological challenges posed by
indiscriminate developmental activities in the Western Ghats. Triggered by the
exploitation of rich tropical forest ecosystems, the movement sought to protect,
regenerate, and sustainably utilize natural resources. Originating in the aftermath of
India’s independence, the Uttara Kannada district faced drastic deforestation,
displacement of communities, and adverse impacts on water resources due to dam
construction and industrialization. The movement was led by environmentalist
Panduranga Hegde and the Appiko Movement employed unique strategies, including
tree-hugging and non-violent resistance. Despite initial challenges and opposition, the
movement achieved notable success in raising awareness, influencing policies, and
inspiring global environmental activism. This essay delves into the historical context,
genesis, challenges faced, and remarkable achievements of the Appiko Movement,
highlighting its enduring impact on environmental consciousness and conservation
efforts.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
After the independence in 1947,certain
parts of the country were declared as
backward and covered under
developmental plans. The western ghat in
south India has a tropical forest
ecosystem. Such an ecosystem along with
being rich in potentially renewable
resources, is also very fragile to handle.

More than 81% of the geographical area of

Uttar kannada district was under the forest
cover. This area was later declared
backward and thus several developmental
programs were introduced to harness the
natural resources. In this attempt of
utilization of natural resources several
major industries were set up which included a pulp and paper industry, plywood factory
as well as hydroelectric dams to harness the rivers of the area. This caused several
problems to the communities living in the region causing displacement due to dams
which affected lives of the poorest of the region. The natural mixed forests were
converted into teak and eucalyptus plantations that in turn led to drying up of the water
resources. In a short span of 20-30 years the forest cover of the region fell to mere
25%. Similarly the forest cover of Kerala fell from 44% in 1905 to meager 9% in 1984,
testifying for the ruthless onslaught of human activities in the name of development.

GENESIS OF THE APPIKO MOVEMENT

In September 1983, villagers in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India,
launched the Appiko Movement, inspired by the Chipko Movement of the Himalayas.
The movement's name, "Appiko," means "to hug"
in Kannada, reflecting the non-violent strategy of
embracing trees to protect them from felling.

The catalyst for the Appiko Movement was the

state government's decision to clear-cut a section
of the Kalase forest, a rich biodiversity hotspot, to
replace it with a monoculture teak plantation.
Fearing the ecological and cultural consequences
of this decision, villagers, led by environmental
activist Panduranga Hegde, took a stand. On
September 12, 1983, a group of women and youth
from Salkani village marched five miles to the
Kalase forest and physically embraced the trees.
Their actions caught the attention of the media and
the wider public, galvanizing support for the
movement. The Appiko Movement's non-violent
resistance and unwavering commitment to protecting the forest eventually forced the
government to abandon its plans for the teak plantation. The movement's success not
only preserved the Kalase forest but also inspired similar grassroots environmental
movements across India.

The movement was inspired by the traditional customs of communities that revered
trees and forests. The local communities, often composed of indigenous people, had a
deep connection with their environment, viewing forests as not just a resource but as
integral to their cultural and ecological sustenance. Additionally, the movement was
influenced by the broader environmental awareness of the 1980s, which saw a global
rise in environmental consciousness. Ideas from the global environmental movement,
coupled with local concerns about deforestation, shaped the ethos of the Appiko
Movement and motivated its leaders and participants to take a stand against destructive
forestry practices.
 Pandurang Hegde is a key figure
associated with the Appiko Movement. He
was actively involved in environmental
activism and played a significant role in
mobilizing communities during the Appiko
movement. Pandurang Hegde worked
towards promoting sustainable and
eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the
importance of preserving forests and
biodiversity. His contributions helped
amplify the message of the movement and
contributed to its success in highlighting the
need for responsible environmental
stewardship.

KEY PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES

Key principles and strategies of the Appiko movement included:
1. Tree-hugging in Chipko style: The activists of Appiko movement did similar as
Chipko movement activists did.They hugged trees to prevent them from being cut
down by loggers.
2. Non-Violent Resistance: The activists in this movement accentuated
non-violent methods to protect the environment and promote conservation.
3. Afforestation and reforestation: The activists occupied oneself with tree
planting and planted trees in order to counter the deforestation in the western
ghats.
4. Advocacy for sustainable forestry: The activists in this movement advocate for
responsible and eco-friendly logging,and put the stress upon sustainable forestry
practices.
5. Community participation: This movement fostered local communities to
participate actively in the safeguarding of their natural resources and the
conservation of forests.
6. Raising awareness: The Appiko movement intended to upraise public
awareness about the significance of the western ghats and requisite to preserve
its biodiversity.
7. Legal Actions: The activists also took legitimate actions to challenge
environmental degradation and deforestation.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTS
The movement created
awareness among the villagers
throughout the Western Ghats
about the ecological danger
posed by the commercial and
industrial interests to their
forest, which was the main
source of sustenance. The
success of the Appiko
movement inspired similar
environmental and conservation
movements globally, serving as
a powerful model for
community-based activism focused on the protection of natural ecosystems. Appiko
highlighted the crucial role of women in environmental activism, empowering them to
actively participate in the protection of natural resources. Additionally, it played a pivotal
role in shaping environmental policies in India, leading to the implementation of
measures such as the ban on green felling.

The Appiko movement saved the basic life sources for the people, that is, trees like
bamboo useful for making handcrafted items which they could sell for earning some
money for their livelihood. It also saved medicinal trees for their use by the local people.
The movement significantly raised awareness about the importance of forest
conservation.

CHALLENGES FACED IN THE APPIKO MOVEMENT

The Appiko Movement could not go about without facing any challenges. Firstly,
resistance from vested interests, including timber and logging industries, posed a
significant hurdle. These industries often had economic and political influence, making it
difficult for the movement to gain traction.

Secondly, the movement encountered opposition from local communities dependent on

forest resources for their livelihoods. Balancing environmental conservation with the
socio-economic needs of these communities proved to be a delicate challenge.
Convincing people to prioritize long-term ecological sustainability over immediate
economic gains required effective communication and education.
Additionally, the movement struggled to garner widespread support initially, as
environmental concerns were not a top priority in the socio-political landscape of the
time. Overcoming apathy and fostering a sense of environmental consciousness among
the broader population demanded considerable effort.

Despite these challenges, the Appiko Movement ultimately succeeded in raising

awareness about deforestation, influencing policies, and inspiring similar movements
globally, illustrating the transformative power of grassroots activism in environmental
conservation.

CONCLUSION
The Appiko Movement has raised
awareness among Western Ghats villagers
about the ecological destruction of forest
wealth.For the people of that region,forests
are not just a one dimensional resource to
be exploited for the benefit of commerce,
but they of forests to be ethical and
multi-dimensional in nature that take care
of the needs of human and non-human
actor encompassing all forms of life. People are now closely monitoring the forest
department’s exploitation of forests and have been able to demonstrate the disparity
between professed and actual forest management practices. The Appiko Movement
compelled the government to alter its forest policy. Some specific changes include a
ban on clear felling, no further concessions to logging companies, and a moratorium on
the felling of green trees in the Western Ghats’ tropical rainforest. The Appiko
Movement was inspired by the 1973 Chipko Movement and is now the inspiration of
environmental protests and movements globally.

REFERENCES
● https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/know/whose-tress-are-they-anyway/article23
522642.ece
● https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/appiko-movement/#:~:text=About%20Appiko%20Movem
ent,by%20environmental%20activist%20Panduranga%20Hegde
● https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/appiko-movement
● https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/appiko-movement-
forest-conservation-southern-india
● https://ejatlas.org/conflict/appiko-movement-western-ghats-india/?translate=tr
● https://ecovista.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/appiko-movement/
● https://www.hindu.com/2008/09/22/stories/2008092252801100.htm
● https://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/the-appiko-movement-forest-