Historical Continuation and Discontinuation in Green Movements in India since 1950 : A Study on Kolkata

Abstract

The history of green movements in India since 1950 is marked by both continuity and change, reflecting the nation's evolving socio-political landscape and environmental challenges. Initially, these movements focused on local issues, with landmark initiatives like the Chipko Movement in the 1970s, where rural communities, particularly women, embraced trees to prevent deforestation in the Himalayas. This grassroots activism highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental conservation and local livelihoods, laying the foundation for broader ecological awareness. In the 1980s and 1990s, the focus expanded to include anti-dam protests, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan, which highlighted issues of displacement and environmental degradation due to large-scale development projects. The rise of NGOs and increasing public awareness led to a more organized and institutionalized environmental movement. In the 21st century, the movement's scope has further broadened, encompassing issues like air pollution, climate change, and sustainable urbanization. However, there have been discontinuities, such as the waning of certain localized movements and the co-opting of green rhetoric by various political and corporate interests. Despite these challenges, green movements in India have continued to evolve, adapting to new environmental realities and leveraging digital platforms for advocacy. The historical trajectory of these movements illustrates a dynamic interplay between local traditions and global environmental discourses, underlining the complex nature of sustainable development in a rapidly industrializing nation. A city like Kolkata has greatest impression in this connection hence this study is greatly important.