The environmental movement in India has evolved over time, with three distinct waves of activism that have shaped the country’s environmental policies and practices.
First Wave (1960s-1970s):
During this period, traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous practices were at the forefront of environmental conservation. Indian environmentalists such as Rajendra Singh, a Gandhian environmentalist, and Chandi Prasad Bhatt, a Chipko movement leader, were instrumental in promoting sustainable forest management and women’s empowerment. The Chipko movement, which started in 1973, is an example of early grassroots environmental activism, where villagers from the Alaknanda valley fought against tree felling by government contractors, emphasizing the importance of community-led conservation.
Characteristics of the First Wave:
- Emphasis on traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous practices
- Focus on grassroots movements and community-led conservation
- Gandhian philosophy and non-violence as guiding principles
- Though influential, the First Wave had limited institutionalized impact
Second Wave (1980s-1990s):
The Second Wave saw the emergence of scientific-conservationism, with the involvement of government, academies, and institutions. This period saw the formation of national environmental policy institutions, including the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1927, were passed during this period. The Movement for People’s Rights and the Natural Justice struggle movement followed this wave.
Characteristics of the Second Wave:
- Emphasis on scientific conservation and institutionalizing environmental protection
- Advocacy for people’s rights and natural justice
- National and international cooperation in conservation efforts
Third Wave (2000s-present):
Today, environmental activism in India is characterized by the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) anddalitgroups, who mobilize online and off line campaigns to challenge state-municipal industrial actions. Examples include the protests against pollution in Delhi, protests against nuclear energy, and land rights protests.
Characteristics of the Third Wave:
- Digital media enables mobilization and activist efforts
- Dalits and marginalized groups leading social justice and environmental movements
- National electoral successes of third-wave sustainability policies
The environmental movement in India has evolved significantly over the decades. The First Wave, rooted in indigenous wisdom and grassroots activism, laid the foundation for the Second Wave, which brought scientific insights and institutional relevance to environmental discussions. Now, in the Third Wave, screensome fragmentation on multiple ecologicalground levels and frames election-oriented politics.
(with outline)
Characteristics of the Waves of Environmentalism:
- 1st Wave: Emphasis on indigenous ecology, traditional knowledge, Gandhian principles
- 2nd Wave: Institutionalization of environmental protection, focus on national policy
- 3rd Wave: Digital activism, marginalized group mobilization, State industrial policy portrayal