Question

The Chipko Movement is considered both a ‘Red’ (livelihood) and ‘Green’ (environmental) issue. What made it a ‘Green’ issue?

• A. It empowered powerless villagers
• B. It stalled government timber profits
• C. It highlighted villagers' respect for forest as wealth beyond money
• D. It was supported only by villagers, not urban dwellers

Hint:

The Chipko Movement is remembered as:
• A livelihood movement (Red)
• An environmental movement (Green) Its core message was that forests are essential for ecological survival, not merely timber resources.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
The Chipko Movement began in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand during the 1970s. Villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent commercial deforestation. The movement had two dimensions:
• Red Issue: Protection of livelihood and local economic needs
• Green Issue: Protection of ecology, forests, and environment The environmental dimension emphasized that forests are valuable not merely for commercial timber but for:
• Soil conservation
• Water preservation
• Ecological balance
• Sustainable living

Step 1: Understanding Option (A)
The movement certainly empowered villagers and gave local communities a voice against exploitation. However, empowerment relates more to social justice and participation rather than directly explaining why the movement became a Green issue. Therefore, Option (A) is incorrect.

Step 2: Understanding Option (B)
The movement did affect timber extraction and government commercial interests. But merely stopping profits does not fully explain the environmental philosophy of the movement. Thus, Option (B) is incorrect.

Step 3: Understanding Option (C)
This option correctly captures the environmental essence of the Chipko Movement. The villagers believed forests were:
• Sources of life
• Protectors of ecology
• Providers of water and fertile soil They viewed forests as wealth beyond monetary value. This ecological awareness transformed the movement into a major environmental movement. Hence, Option (C) is correct.

Step 4: Understanding Option (D)
The movement eventually gained support from:
• Environmentalists
• Activists
• Urban intellectuals So it was not supported only by villagers. Therefore, Option (D) is incorrect. Final Conclusion:
The Chipko Movement became a Green issue because it emphasized ecological values and respect for forests beyond commercial profit. Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(C)\ \text{It highlighted villagers' respect for forest as wealth beyond money}} \]