Chipko movement was first started by

Sunderlal Bahuguna

Correct option is B

The Chipko movement was started by Sunderlal Bahuguna.

Background:

• Origin: The movement began in the early 1970s in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh), India, as a grassroots effort to prevent deforestation and protect the environment.
• Name: Chipko means to hug in Hindi, symbolizing the demonstrators method of embracing trees to prevent their felling.

Key Figures:

• Sunderlal Bahuguna: A prominent environmentalist who played a pivotal role in mobilizing people for the cause. He coined the slogan Ecology is permanent economy and led a 5,000-kilometer trans-Himalaya march from 1981 to 1983 to raise awareness.
• Gaura Devi: Led a group of women in 1974 to protect trees in Reni village, showcasing the significant role of women in the movement.

Conclusion:

The Chipko movement, initiated by Sunderlal Bahuguna, was a pioneering environmental campaign that emphasized the importance of ecological balance and community involvement in conservation efforts.