Question

Identify the name of the movement which successfully highlighted the adverse impact of mining activities in the Western Ghats?

• A. Chilika Movement
• B. Save Tunga Movement
• C. Silent Valley Movement
• D. Appiko Movement

Hint:

Associate "Save Tunga" with "Kudremukh Mining" and "Western Ghats" for exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Environmental movements in India have often emerged as grassroots responses to industrial activities that threaten local ecosystems and livelihoods. In the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, several movements have targeted specific ecological threats.

Step 1: Analyzing the Save Tunga Movement.
The Save Tunga Movement (Tunga Ulisi Campaign) was primarily focused on protecting the Tunga River from the pollution and ecological degradation caused by mining activities, specifically the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) in the Western Ghats. It highlighted how mining at the river's source led to siltation and the destruction of prime shola forests and grasslands.

Step 2: Reviewing other movements.

• Silent Valley Movement: Focused on stopping a hydroelectric project in Kerala to save pristine tropical rainforest.
• Appiko Movement: A southern version of the Chipko movement focused on forest conservation and prohibiting commercial felling.
• Chilika Movement: Aimed at protecting the Chilika Lake ecosystem from intensive prawn farming.

Step 3: Conclusion.
While several movements protected the Western Ghats, the Save Tunga Movement is specifically credited with successfully bringing the negative impacts of large-scale mining activities into the national spotlight, eventually leading to a Supreme Court ban on mining in Kudremukh.