Background of Appiko Movement

In 1950, Uttara Kannada had over 81% forest cover; development efforts turned it into an industrial zone.

Industrial growth included a paper mill, plywood factory, and hydroelectric dams, leading to forest depletion.

By 1980, the original forest size shrank to less than 25% due to overexploitation for commercial use.

Spice garden farmers suffered as their reliance on forested leaf manure was affected.

Dam construction displaced thousands, particularly the poorest, contributing to poverty.

In 1983, a Chipko-style movement emerged, demanding a ban on tree cutting, leading to a temporary halt.

The movement resumed in the Bilegal forest, affecting tribal communities dependent on the forest for survival.

Bamboo disappearance impacted locals’ income, relying on bamboo-based items for their livelihood.

The appiko movement spread to Nidgod village in 1983, preventing commercial tree felling.

The movement turned spontaneous as native people hugged trees, forcing the government to meet their demands.

Appiko Movement: The Appiko Movement started in 1983 in Karnataka, India, was a grassroots environmental effort led by Panduranga Hegde to stop deforestation in the Western Ghats. Inspired by the Chipko Movement, it involved local communities, especially women, who embraced trees to prevent their cutting, promoting sustainable forest use and conservation.

In this article, We have is about the Historical Background and Causes of the Appiko Movement, the Objective of the Appiko Movement, and many more.

Let’s dive right in.