Class 12 Indian Economic Development Notes · CBSE

Appiko Movement

Appiko Movement — study the Karnataka tree-hugging movement that saved 12,000 trees and inspired environmental activism across India. CBSE Class 12 IED notes.

Last updated: 1 Sep 2026

Notes

The Appiko Movement Story

Stage 1 — Origin

In the early 1970s, the 'Chipko Movement' was initiated to create growing awareness towards rapid deforestation. In Karnataka, a similar movement took a different name — 'Appiko', which means to hug.

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The Appiko Movement is a testament to the power of community action — 160 ordinary people saved 12,000 trees simply by hugging them. It proves that environmental protection doesn't always need laws; sometimes it needs courage.

Parallel Example: Chipko Movement (Uttarakhand, 1973) — women hugged trees to prevent deforestation. Appiko was inspired by Chipko. Both movements showed that grassroots activism can protect forests more effectively than government policies alone.