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.
Appiko Movement : Background, Objective, Place
Appiko Movement Overview
| Initiation |
1983, in Karnataka, India |
| Founder |
Panduranga Hegde |
| Inspiration |
Chipko Movement |
| Objective |
To halt deforestation in the Western Ghats |
| Method |
Tree-hugging by local villagers |
| Focus |
Sustainable forest management and conservation |
| Impact |
Raised environmental awareness and influenced forest policy in India |
The Appiko Movement began in 1983 in Karnataka, India, to save the Kalase forest in the Western Ghats. People, including Salkani men, women, and children, hugged trees to stop the government from cutting them down. Panduranga Hegde, an environmentalist, led the movement to make people aware of the dangers of cutting trees for business. In Kannada, “hugging” is “appiko,” so they named it the Appiko Movement. It worked, and they stopped cutting trees, showing how important the forest is for the villagers in the Western Ghats.
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.
Objectives of Appiko Movement
Appiko Movement focuses on preserving young green forest trees.
Promotes afforestation on depleted land.
Balances utilizing forest resources with protecting natural ones.
Uses various tactics like slide shows, dances, marches, and street plays for awareness.
Some forest areas only allow felling of deceased, dying, or arid trees.
Movement spans Goa, Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, and four Karnataka hill towns.
Aims to reforest bare areas and plant more trees.
Sirsi region saw growth of 1.2 million seedlings in 1984-1985.
Involves the forest department in tree planting efforts.
Acknowledges challenges with capital-intensive and profit-driven aspects due to past chemical fertilizer use.
Appiko Movement Causes
In August 1983, Sirsi Taluk residents asked forest department to stop tree cutting in Bilegal forest, Hulekal range.
Villagers’ request ignored; contractors continued clearing trees, causing negative impacts.
Consequences included significant soil erosion and drying up of water sources.
Salkani village in Sirsi Taluk lost its vital forest area, affecting biomass supply for fuelwood, fodder, and honey.
Spice-garden farmers in Uttara Kannada faced hardship due to the loss of forested leaf manure.
Impact of Appiko Movement
Appiko movement in South India protected bamboo trees for making goods and preserved medicinal trees for local use.
Raised awareness among Western Ghats peasants about the threat to their forest, the main food source, from business and industry.
Similar success to Chipko movement in safeguarding natural resources.
Constructive phase focused on rebuilding depleted resources and promoting equitable sharing.
Aims to establish a harmonious relationship between people and nature for a sustainable future economy.
Methods of Appiko MovementÂ
Appiko Andolan used various strategies like street dramas and folk dances to raise awareness.
In some forest areas, cutting down green trees is now illegal due to the Andolan’s efforts.
Only dry, dead, or dying trees are cut to meet local needs in these regions.
The Andolan expanded to Karnataka’s hill districts, Goa, and Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Ghats.
Villages are planting saplings, with a record 1.2 million grown in 1984-1985 in Sirsi.
Villagers are actively involved in developing decentralized nurseries.
Barren common land is undergoing a regeneration process led by the Youth Club.
The Appiko Movement focuses on the rational use of the ecosphere, introducing alternative energy sources.
Activists have built 2,000 fuel-efficient hearths, reducing fuelwood consumption by nearly 40%.
FAQS on Appiko Movement
What is the Appiko Movement?
The Appiko Movement, starting in 1983, aimed to protect the Kalase forest in Karnataka, India, by raising awareness about the ecological dangers posed by commercial interests.
Why did the movement emerge?
Industrial growth and development efforts led to significant forest depletion in Uttara Kannada, affecting local communities and their livelihoods.
What were the consequences of tree cutting?
Negative impacts included soil erosion, drying up of water sources, and hardships for local villagers who relied on the forest for fuelwood, fodder, and more.
How did the movement achieve its goals?
Through peaceful protests like tree-hugging, awareness campaigns, and advocating for sustainable practices, the Appiko Andolan successfully halted tree cutting.
What were the objectives of the Appiko Movement?
The movement focused on preserving young green forest trees, promoting afforestation, and balancing the use of forest resources while protecting natural ones.
What sustainable measures were taken by the movement?
The Appiko Andolan introduced innovative measures like constructing Biogas plants (Gobar) and providing assistance to cash-strapped communities for acquiring them.
How did the Appiko Movement impact the region?
It protected bamboo trees and medicinal plants, raised awareness among Western Ghats peasants, and contributed to the constructive phase of rebuilding depleted resources.
What methods did the movement use to raise awareness?
The Appiko Andolan employed various strategies like street dramas, folk dances, and educational programs to inform people about the environmental threats and sustainable practices.
What is the current status of the movement’s impact?
The movement’s impact continues through legal measures against cutting green trees, planting saplings, and active involvement of villagers in decentralized nurseries for reforestation.
Who led the Appiko Movement?
The Appiko Movement was led by Panduranga Hegde.
where did appiko movement started in Karnataka?
The Appiko Movement started in the village of Salkani in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India.
Appiko movement started in which villageKarnataka?
The Appiko Movement started in the village of Salkani in Karnataka, India.
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