SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 13

Correct Answer

Both statements 1 and 2 are correct

Explanation

Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are historically accurate and trace the deep-rooted origins and the modern evolution of the Chipko Movement:

Statement 1 is correct because the earliest recorded precursor to the Chipko movement occurred in 1730 (the 18th century) in Khejarli, Rajasthan. Amrita Devi Bishnoi, along with 363 other members of the Bishnoi community, sacrificed their lives to protect sacred Khejri trees from being chopped down by the orders of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. This historic practice of clinging to trees to shield them from axes served as the original inspiration.

Statement 2 is correct because the modern avatar of the Chipko Movement was revived in April 1973 in Mandal village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh). Led by prominent activists like Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sundarlal Bahuguna, rural women hugged trees to prevent commercial logging. Therefore, the year 2023 marked exactly 50 years of this landmark, eco-feminist environmental conservation movement in India.

Key Points

The term "Chipko" literally translates to "to hug" or "to cling to" in Hindi, describing the primary non-violent method used by protestors to shield trees.

The modern 1973 movement became a global benchmark for non-violent environmental struggles and significantly increased participation of rural women in decision-making.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Who was the prominent environmentalist and leader of the Chipko Movement who coined the famous slogan "Ecology is permanent economy"?

Answer: Sundarlal Bahuguna.

Question: Which prestigious award, often considered the Alternative Nobel Prize, was awarded to the Chipko Movement in 1987?

Answer: Right Livelihood Award.