Correct Answer: Forest conservation

Solution : The correct answer is (A) Forest conservation.

The Chipko Movement, also known as the Chipko Andolan, was a grassroots environmental movement that originated in the state of Uttarakhand in India in the 1970s. The movement was primarily focused on the conservation and protection of forests.

The term "Chipko" means "to hug" or "to cling" in the local language, which symbolizes the act of hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down. The movement was a response to rampant deforestation and commercial logging activities that were causing ecological degradation and threatening the livelihoods of local communities.

The Chipko Movement gained widespread attention and support for its non-violent protests and peaceful resistance. Women played a significant role in the movement, as they recognized the importance of forests for their daily needs, such as fuel, fodder, and water security. The movement emphasized the sustainable use of forests and advocated for community-based forest management, highlighting the link between forests, livelihoods, and ecological balance.

The Chipko Movement not only contributed to forest conservation efforts in India but also inspired similar movements and raised global awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and community participation in decision-making processes.