Environmentalism surfaced in the form of many organised movements in post independence India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
Introduction
Environmentalism in India has been a movement to preserve the unique indigenous way of life and our civilisational values of 'oneness with the nature'.
24 words
Main Body
Organised Movements
-i- Chipko Andolan led by Gandhian leader Sunderlal Bahuguna who brought statutory changes with his community's 'embrace' of trees
eg Environment Impact Assessed made compulsory
1980s
-ii- Narmada Bachao Andolan led by activist Medha Patkar to preserve nature & displacement of inhabitants
organised the victims & got concessional
-iii- Save Nilgiri Movement in light of deforestation (Shola Forest are like overhead tanks) led to formation of committees
eg Madras Gadgil, Kasturirangan
1980s
-iv- Save Assay Forests in Mumbai was led by urban conscious youth who feared metro lines would encroach upon their green patches
-v- Save Aravalli Hills is another example where urban expansion (Gurugram) onwards led to the organised movement
Conclusion
However these have also been limited as -i- Lack of sustained and united efforts -ii- They are reactive in nature & spring after project announced eg Against Silvestre project in Kerala -iii- Lack of a charter of demand -iv- Emerging threat of environmental extremism with social media Yet Environmentalism reflects our culture and was reflected in India's full 'Panch Bharat' commitments at Glasgow COP 26. The need of the hour is → Expand Centre of Science & Environment → Unite sporadic Movements → Industry - Academia - Govt collaboration
89 words
- Strong conceptual foundation linking environmentalism to Indian values
- Clear identification of major movements
- Specific leaders and their contributions mentioned
- Links movements to legislative outcomes
Ishitha Kishore
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization
Social Movements and Environmental Issues
Environmental movements in post-independence India
226
Total words
6
Paragraphs
analytical and descriptive
Tone