Sunderlal Bahuguna: Pioneer of environmental conservation

Sunderlal Bahuguna was an iconic environmentalist and social activist from India, best known for his leadership in the Chipko Movement, a grassroots effort to protect forests in the Himalayan region. With his lifelong dedication to environmental and social causes, Bahuguna became a global symbol of sustainable development and the harmonious coexistence of humans with nature.

Born on January 9, 1927, in Maroda village near Tehri, Uttarakhand, Bahuguna was deeply influenced by the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and the simple lifestyle of the region’s people. He grew up witnessing the dependence of mountain communities on forests for their livelihoods and the growing threat of deforestation.

Bahuguna’s involvement in social causes began early, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He joined the freedom struggle as a teenager and later adopted Gandhian principles of non-violence, simplicity and self-reliance as the foundation of his activism.

Bahuguna became a prominent leader of the Chipko Movement, which began in the 1970s in Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh). ‘Chipko,’ meaning ‘to embrace,’ symbolised villagers hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down by contractors. This non-violent protest was initiated by local women under the leadership of Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Bahuguna later expanded its reach and impact.

Bahuguna’s leadership helped the movement gain national and international recognition. He emphasised the ecological value of forests, not just their economic worth, advocating for the preservation of trees to prevent soil erosion, floods and climate imbalance.

In the 1980s, Bahuguna walked 5,000 km across the Himalayas to spread awareness about the need to save forests. His efforts were instrumental in persuading the Indian government to ban commercial logging in the Himalayan region in 1981.

Another significant chapter in his activism was his opposition to the construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi river. He argued that the dam would displace thousands of people, submerge ancient cultural sites and cause ecological damage to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Bahuguna fasted multiple times to draw attention to the issue, including a 74-day hunger strike in 1995. While the dam was eventually built, his protests sparked widespread debate on the costs of large-scale development projects and their impact on local communities and the environment.

Bahuguna believed in the interconnectedness of all life forms and advocated for sustainable development that prioritises ecological balance over short-term gains. He often quoted the Gandhian principle: “Nature provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.”

His work inspired generations of environmentalists and led to greater awareness of environmental conservation in India and beyond. Bahuguna received numerous accolades for his efforts, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2009 and the Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize".

Bahuguna passed away on May 21, 2021, at the age of 94, due to complications from Covid-19. His death marked the end of an era, but his teachings and activism continue to inspire movements for environmental justice worldwide.