GSEB Class 11 Solutions Unit 3 Read 1 Females for Forestry

Comprehension

1. Reflect and share your opinions/feelings on these questions:

Question 1. Why should we say Bravo' to Mahila Mangal Dal?
Answer: The Mahila Mangal Dal deserves commendation for undertaking the responsibility to manage and safeguard local forests. They exhibited strong resolve to protect the remaining tree cover and additionally committed to rejuvenating degraded forest areas.
In simple words: The Mahila Mangal Dal is praised because they took action to protect the local forests and planned to restore those that were damaged.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on highlighting the proactive and protective actions taken by the Mahila Mangal Dal in forest conservation efforts.

 

Question 2. Why did the women take lead in forest saving movement?
Answer: The forest in Kangad was already in a degraded state. Despite this, the Forest Department decided to proceed with felling trees that year. Consequently, the village women, who typically had to travel long distances for essential resources like fuel, fodder, and water, became determined to preserve the last remaining stands of trees.
In simple words: Women led the forest saving movement because the local forest was severely damaged, the Forest Department planned to cut more trees, and women depended on these forests for daily needs like fuel and water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the direct impact of deforestation on women's daily lives and their resolve to protect resources.

 

Question 3. Write a note on the strength of women as expressed In this text.
Answer: Historical accounts indicate that determined women frequently surpass men in overcoming challenges. They possess the capacity to engage in struggles with greater courage. Once they commit to a course of action, they do not retract or retreat, consistently prepared to confront the most adverse circumstances, regardless of the obstacles encountered.
In simple words: The text shows women are strong-willed, courageous, and determined; they never give up once they decide to fight for a cause, even against difficult odds.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing women's strength, highlight their determination, courage, and unwavering commitment as key attributes.

 

2. Pick out three sentences In the text that show women's act of courage.

(1) Inspired by the 'Chipko Movement', the village women have now started managing and protecting local forests, to ensure their generation.
(2) The village women. who had to walk long distances for fuel, fodder and water were determined to save the last patch of trees.
(3) Once the women discovered that the protection was loose, they abolished the post and decided to guard the forests themselves.
In simple words: These sentences illustrate women's bravery by showing their active participation in forest management, their unwavering resolve to save trees for future generations despite hardships, and their initiative to personally guard forests when official protection failed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying acts of courage, select sentences that demonstrate initiative, determination, and direct action in the face of adversity.

 

3. In the text there are words / phrases indicating problems and words / phrases describing solutions. Read the text and fill in the table:

No.	Problem situation	Solution
1.	Oppressive forest laws	Non-cooperation Movement - Satyagraha
2.	Felling trees	Chipko Movement
3.	Degradation of forests	Village people's management of own forestry
4.	Negligent guards - Loose Protection	Abolishing the post and guarding the forests themselves
5.	Grazing goats and cutting trees for firewood	Being fined by the women protecting trees
6.	Policy of the Forest Department to plant foreign commercial tree-Poplar	Forcing the Forest Department to plant different kinds of indigenous fodder trees for their direct benefit

In simple words: This table maps various forest-related problems, such as strict laws and tree felling, to their corresponding community-led solutions, including non-cooperation, the Chipko Movement, and direct forest protection by villagers.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing problem-solution scenarios, ensure you clearly identify the root cause of the problem and how the proposed solution directly addresses it.

 

4. Form five groups and prepare speech of one minute on any one of the situations. Present it to the class.

Question 1. A woman inspired by Chipko, addressing a village meeting.
Answer: "Greetings to all esteemed elders and beloved individuals gathered here. We convene today to discuss a critical matter, as we are all acutely aware of our current predicament. Women, in particular, face the burden of traveling considerable distances for essential fuel, fodder, and water. This challenging situation arises because countless trees in our region have been felled, leading to daily forest degradation. Can we truly endure this worsening condition? I urge all male members of our village to solemnly pledge never to cut a tree and, furthermore, to plant at least three trees each month. We, the women and children, also commit to preventing anyone from felling trees. Should circumstances deteriorate and the Forest Department prove uncooperative, we shall oppose their actions. Instead of permitting the cultivation of foreign commercial trees like Poplars, we will insist on the planting of various indigenous fodder trees that offer direct benefits to our community. I earnestly hope for your active agreement and cooperation, confident that with your collective support, we can successfully restore our degraded forest."
In simple words: A woman, inspired by the Chipko Movement, addresses villagers about severe forest degradation causing hardship, especially for women. She urges everyone to pledge not to cut trees, to plant new ones, and to resist the Forest Department's foreign tree planting policies, advocating for local fodder trees to rejuvenate the forest with community support.

🎯 Exam Tip: For persuasive speeches, clearly state the problem, propose actionable solutions, appeal to the audience's shared values, and express confidence in collective success.

 

Question 2. A satyagrahi of 1930 recollecting memories of their protest.
Answer: "Namaste everyone. I stand before you today to recount the destruction of forests in the 1930s. For many years, vast stretches of rich forest resources, especially in the Tehri-Garhwal region, faced relentless destruction. The forests of Tehri-Garhwal were exploited to provide timber for the expanding railway network in the plains. Europeans in Mussoorie sought land to cultivate new food crops like potatoes, leading to extensive clearing of mixed oak forests. The state's priority was to generate revenue, often at the expense of the village people's fundamental needs. Consequently, in 1930, we, the people of Tehri-Garhwal-I being one among them-initiated a non-cooperation movement known as 'Satyagraha.' This was, of course, a peaceful form of resistance aimed at achieving justice against the oppressive forest laws. Tragically, that year, a significant number of our people were killed in Tilari by the armed forces of the Tehri-Garhwal kingdom when we assembled for a protest meeting against the official forest policy."
In simple words: A 1930 Satyagrahi recalls how Tehri-Garhwal forests were destroyed for timber and European crops, causing hardship for villagers. To protest oppressive forest laws and demand justice, they started a peaceful 'Satyagraha' movement, which sadly resulted in many deaths when armed forces suppressed a protest meeting in Tilari.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing historical protests, clearly articulate the reasons for the movement, the methods employed, and the significant outcomes or sacrifices involved.

 

Question 3. 'We protect the forests, because the oak trees are like our children.'
Answer: "My heartfelt greetings to all, friends! You are well aware of the extensive forest degradation across our Tehri-Garhwal district. You also intimately know the consequences of this degradation – the arduous distances we must travel for fuel, fodder, and water. It has become an urgent necessity to conserve our forests. The Forest Department has proven ineffective in reafforesting these areas; thus, it is solely up to us to save these deteriorating forests. We will not permit anyone to fell trees. We will embrace trees and fortify our movement. These oak trees are like our own children, and we will not allow them to be cut down at any cost. If we fail to protect them today, our lives will be in peril tomorrow. Let us join hands and save them."
In simple words: This speech emphasizes the dire need for forest conservation in Tehri-Garhwal due to severe degradation and the resulting hardship. The speaker passionately states that oak trees are like their children and must be protected by the community, as the Forest Department has failed in its duty, highlighting that their very survival depends on these forests.

🎯 Exam Tip: For emotional appeals, use strong, evocative language that connects the issue to personal well-being and community responsibility, such as comparing trees to children.

 

Question 4. A member of MMD talking about 'Forest' guard event'.
Answer: "Dear ones all, we recognize that some of our men, driven by personal gains, have aligned themselves with the Forest Department. They are now tasked by the Department to fell trees. You understand the profound significance these trees hold for us in the Kangad area. We have experienced numerous conflicts with these individuals, but mere conflict is not a lasting solution. Why should we engage in strife with our own community members? We have been confronting this situation for the past four months and have remained united. Our Mahila Mangal Dal must demonstrate its collective strength and commit to regenerating the degraded forests. We previously attempted to raise contributions based on the number of cattle each family owned, using these funds to employ forest guards. However, this arrangement has unfortunately proven ineffective as the guards became negligent. Now, it is time for us to take charge and protect the forests ourselves, without relying on external parties."
In simple words: An MMD member discusses the 'forest guard event,' acknowledging that some village men, swayed by the Forest Department, are felling trees. She emphasizes the trees' importance and calls for the Mahila Mangal Dal to show strength and personally protect and regenerate the degraded forests, as their previous system of hired guards proved ineffective due to negligence.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing community issues, identify internal conflicts and external pressures, then propose solutions that empower the community to take direct ownership and action.

 

Question 5. A Chipko activist describing the, methods of saving trees.
Answer: "Hello everyone, I believe many of you are familiar with me, as I have been actively involved with the 'Chipko (hug a tree) movement' for a considerable period. My dear friends, all our efforts to preserve the forest have been in vain. The Forest Department makes decisions primarily aimed at generating revenue for the state government. Furthermore, the Department's guards are often dishonest and negligent. Under these dire circumstances, it becomes our collective duty to prevent trees from being felled and to stop forest degradation. Let us all unite, especially women and children. If we encounter any woodcutter attempting to fell a tree, we will confront them and physically prevent the tree from being cut. Should anyone be determined to cut a tree, the women and children among us will embrace it, ensuring no one dares to fell it. Let us jointly pressure the Forest Department to refrain from any actions detrimental to forest conservation. We must strive by all means to restore the degraded areas of our forests."
In simple words: A Chipko activist explains tree-saving methods, highlighting the Forest Department's revenue-driven policies and negligent guards. She urges everyone, especially women and children, to unite and physically embrace trees to prevent felling, exert pressure on the authorities, and actively participate in restoring degraded forest areas.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing activism strategies, focus on direct action, community mobilization, and advocacy against policies that harm environmental conservation.

 

5. Tick mark the correct answers:

Question 1. The tree lovers came forward to save forests means ...
(A) The tree lovers planned to save forests.
(B) The tree lovers began a movement to save forests.
(C) The tree lovers marched to save forests.
(D) The tree lovers went to the forests and saved them.
Answer: (C) The tree lovers marched to save forests.
In simple words: "Came forward" implies active participation in a public or collective effort, which aligns with the idea of marching or engaging in a movement to protect forests.

🎯 Exam Tip: When interpreting phrases, consider their broader context and common idiomatic meanings to select the most appropriate option.

 

Question 2. Imagine that you are the leader of the 'Chipko Movement'. You should not advise the people to...
(A) protect trees.
(B) regenerate the trees.
(C) embrace trees when someone comes to cut them.
(D) inspire people for deforestation.
Answer: (D) inspire people for deforestation.
In simple words: As a leader of the Chipko Movement, which aims to protect trees, encouraging deforestation would be completely against the movement's core principles.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the core objectives of a movement or organization to correctly identify actions that would contradict its purpose.

 

Question 3. Europeans didn't want large forests because they wanted ...
(A) to remove forests.
(B) industrial development.
(C) commercial development.
(D) to grow food items they liked the most.
Answer: (D) to grow food items they liked the most.
In simple words: Europeans cleared forests primarily to cultivate specific crops, like potatoes, that they preferred.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific details in the text that explain motives behind historical actions, such as the type of crops desired.

 

Question 4. Chipko movement was started to ...
(A) plant more trees.
(B) save trees.
(C) oppose the cutting of trees.
(D) save environment.
Answer: (C) oppose the cutting of trees.
In simple words: The fundamental aim of the Chipko Movement was to prevent the felling of trees by embracing them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the primary and most direct objective of a social movement when choosing the best answer in a multiple-choice question.

 

Question 5. The hill side people of UP opposed ...
(A) the development in their area.
(B) the plantation of new crops like potatoes.
(C) the commercial cutting of trees in their area.
(D) expansion of railway network in their area.
Answer: (C) the commercial cutting of trees in their area.
In simple words: The people in the hills primarily opposed the felling of trees for commercial purposes, which directly threatened their livelihoods and environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between general development and specific commercial activities that directly conflict with local community interests.

 

6. Match cause with effect:

Cause	Effect
(1) Forest product	(A) Decrease in washing away of soil.
(2) Commercial development of cities	(B) Earning for hill side people
(3) Unfavourable forest policy	(C) Deforestation
(4) Ban on cutting trees above 1000 m	(D) Chipko movement starts

Answer:
(1) \( \implies \) (B)
(2) \( \implies \) (A)
(3) \( \implies \) (D)
(4) \( \implies \) (C)
In simple words: This matching exercise connects the causes, such as forest products providing income or unfavorable policies leading to movements, with their logical effects, like earning for locals or the start of the Chipko Movement.

🎯 Exam Tip: When matching causes and effects, analyze the direct relationship between each pair to ensure logical consistency.

 

Put True (✔) or False (X)

(1) People silently accepted new forest policy. (X )
(2) In Chipko movement the social workers embraced the forest trees. (X)
(3) All villagers earned their living from forest. ( X)
(4) Forest people buy fruits and firewood from local market. (√)
(5) People living in forests depended on local market for their everyday needs (√)
In simple words: This section tests knowledge about the Chipko Movement and forest communities. It clarifies that people did not silently accept new policies but protested, social workers embraced trees alongside villagers, not all villagers earned a living solely from forests, and forest dwellers relied on the local market for specific items.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read each statement and refer to factual information about the Chipko Movement and forest communities to determine its accuracy.

 

Answer the following questions in three to five sentences each:

Question 1. How are forests useful to hill side people ?
Answer: Forests serve as the fundamental economic base for entire hill villages. Green leaves and grass from these forests provide essential fodder for animals, whose dung is subsequently utilized as fertilizer for croplands. Dry twigs and branches are the sole source of domestic cooking fuel. Furthermore, forests offer abundant supplies of fruits, edible nuts, fibers, and medicinal herbs for local consumption, making them indispensable for livelihood.
In simple words: Forests are vital for hill communities, providing animal fodder, fertilizer, cooking fuel, fruits, nuts, fibers, and herbs, thus forming the backbone of their economy and daily life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing the utility of forests, list specific resources and benefits they provide to demonstrate their comprehensive importance to local communities.

 

Question 2. What were the reasons for launching a Satyagraha by the villagers of Tehri-Gadhwal area?
Answer: The oppressive forest laws compelled the people of Tehri-Garhwal to initiate a non-cooperation movement, termed 'Satyagraha,' as a peaceful form of resistance to attain justice. For many years, the forests in Tehri-Garhwal had been severely degraded, with vast areas of rich forest resources systematically destroyed. This situation highlighted a clear conflict between the fundamental needs of the village people and the state's demands for revenue.
In simple words: Villagers in Tehri-Garhwal launched the Satyagraha because oppressive forest laws led to widespread deforestation and a conflict between the community's basic needs and the state's revenue-driven policies, prompting a peaceful struggle for justice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify both the direct trigger (oppressive laws) and the underlying systemic conflict (people's needs vs. state revenue) when explaining the causes of a movement.

 

Question 3. How did the men and women of Kangad And themselves in opposite camps ?
Answer: The forest of Kangad had already become degraded. That year, the Forest Department decided to fell the remaining trees. It was primarily the women of Kangad, rather than the men, who had to walk long distances for fuel, fodder, and water, making them determined to save the last patch of trees. However, the men of Kangad were offered work by the Forest Department to fell these very trees. This created a significant conflict, placing the village men and women in opposing camps regarding forest conservation.
In simple words: Men and women of Kangad found themselves opposing each other because the Forest Department hired men to cut trees, while women, who relied heavily on these forests for daily needs like fuel and water, were determined to protect the last remaining trees from felling.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the diverging economic interests and practical dependencies that led to internal conflict within the community over natural resources.

 

Question 4. How did MMD help the Forest Department in reforestation?
Answer: In 1980, the Mahila Mangal Dal agreed to assist the Forest Department with tree planting, digging 15,000 pits. However, they soon discovered that the Department was primarily interested in cultivating commercial foreign trees like poplars. The women firmly refused to allow the planting of these commercial foreign trees. Instead, they successfully pressured the Forest Department to plant various types of indigenous fodder trees that would directly benefit the local community.
In simple words: The Mahila Mangal Dal initially helped the Forest Department by digging pits for tree planting. However, they redirected the reforestation efforts by refusing foreign commercial trees and instead successfully compelled the Department to plant local fodder trees beneficial to the community.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing cooperative efforts, highlight instances where community groups influenced official policies to better serve local needs, demonstrating agency and impact.

 

Additional Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions in three to four sentences each :

Question 1. Forests are the foundation of the whole economy of the hill villages. Explain.
Answer: Green leaves and grass from forests supply essential fodder for animals, whose manure enriches croplands as fertilizer. Dry twigs and branches serve as the primary source of fuel for domestic cooking. Additionally, forests provide abundant fruits, edible nuts, fibers, and medicinal herbs for local consumption. Consequently, these multifaceted resources establish forests as the bedrock of the entire economic system for hill villages.
In simple words: Forests are crucial for hill economies because they provide animal fodder, natural fertilizer, cooking fuel, and a variety of edible and medicinal resources, making them essential for daily survival and economic stability.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining economic foundations, enumerate specific examples of resources and their uses to illustrate the depth of reliance on forests.

 

Question 2. How are the large areas of rich forest resources getting destroyed ?
Answer: The forests of Tehri-Garhwal were extensively exploited to provide timber, essential for the expanding railway network in the plains. Concurrently, Europeans residing in Mussoorie sought to cultivate new food crops, such as potatoes, which necessitated widespread clearing of oak forests. These combined factors-the demand for timber and agricultural expansion-led to the substantial destruction of rich forest resources over vast areas.
In simple words: Large forest areas were destroyed mainly due to the demand for timber for railway expansion in the plains and the clearing of oak forests by Europeans in Mussoorie to grow new food crops like potatoes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the key drivers (e.g., resource extraction, agricultural expansion) and their specific purposes (e.g., railway timber, potato cultivation) when discussing deforestation causes.

 

Question 3. Where did 'Satyagraha Movement' originate from? Why?
Answer: The 'Satyagraha Movement' originated in the Tehri-Garhwal region. It began because extensive areas of rich forests were being destroyed, creating a clear discrepancy between the fundamental needs of the village communities and the state's requirement to generate revenue. Therefore, in 1930, the people of Tehri-Garhwal initiated this non-cooperation movement, a form of peaceful resistance aimed at securing justice against oppressive forest laws.
In simple words: The Satyagraha Movement started in Tehri-Garhwal in 1930 because widespread forest destruction and harsh forest laws created a conflict between villagers' basic needs and the government's profit motives, prompting a peaceful fight for justice.

🎯 Exam Tip: For origin questions, state the location and date, then clearly articulate the primary grievances or conflicts that spurred the movement's inception.

 

Question 4. What is 'Chipko Movement' ?
Answer: Emerging from the Satyagraha movement in Tehri-Garhwal, the 'Chipko Movement' is a post-independence environmental and social movement. In this movement, villagers, including men, women, and children, physically encircled trees with their bodies to prevent them from being felled. This act symbolized their deep emotional attachment to the trees, compelling them to protect the forests from any harm.
In simple words: The Chipko Movement, born from the Satyagraha in Tehri-Garhwal, is a movement where people, including women and children, hug trees to prevent them from being cut down, showcasing their emotional bond with the forests.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define the movement, its origin, its central method (hugging trees), and the underlying motivation (emotional attachment, protection) for a comprehensive answer.

 

Question 5. How is Kangad, an excellent example of managing their own forestry?
Answer: Kangad serves as an excellent model for self-managed forestry because its forest had become degraded, and when the Forest Department decided to fell trees, the village women, who endured long treks for fuel, fodder, and water, resolved to save the last remaining trees. They actively confronted the village men who had been employed by the Forest Department for felling. Additionally, the Mahila Mangal Dal decided to regenerate the degraded forests and raised contributions to hire a forest guard, showcasing their comprehensive approach to protection and restoration.
In simple words: Kangad is a great example of self-managed forestry because, despite initial degradation and conflict over tree felling, the village women took charge. They resisted the Forest Department and even men hired to cut trees, formed the Mahila Mangal Dal to regenerate forests, and collected funds to employ a forest guard, demonstrating full community ownership.

🎯 Exam Tip: To illustrate exemplary management, highlight the specific actions taken by the community (resistance, organization, regeneration, resource mobilization) and the results achieved.

 

Short Notes

Write short notes focussing on the questions:

(1) Chipko Movement
(1) What is 'Chipko Movement' ?
(2) Which circumstances led the people to start ‘Chipko Movement' ?
(3) What did people do in this movement ?
(4) What were the results of 'Chipko Movement' ?
(5) What inspiration did other people seek from this movement?
Answer: The Chipko Movement, born from the 1930 Satyagraha in Tehri-Garhwal, is a post-independence environmental movement where villagers, including men, women, and children, physically embrace trees to prevent logging, driven by emotional attachment to forests. It began due to the extensive destruction of rich forest resources for timber (railway expansion) and agricultural land (European potato cultivation), creating a conflict between local needs and state revenue goals. The movement resulted in saving green forests and protecting the environment, inspiring other communities to manage and protect their local forests and ensure regeneration. It demonstrated the power of peaceful resistance against oppressive forest laws and commercial exploitation.
In simple words: The Chipko Movement started in Tehri-Garhwal as people hugged trees to stop them from being cut down, protesting against forest destruction for timber and crops. It successfully saved forests and inspired other communities to protect their local environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: A comprehensive short note should cover the "what, why, how, and results" of the Chipko Movement, detailing its origins, methods, and lasting impact.

 

(2) Efforts of Mahila Mangal Dal to Save Forests
(1) What is Mahila Mangal Dal?
(2) Which circumstances led women to form ‘Mahila Mangal Dal' ?
(3) What were the activities of 'Mahila Mangal Dal' ?
(4) What desperate efforts did 'Mahila Mangal Dal' do?
(5) What are the results of the efforts of 'Mahila Mangal Dal' ?
Answer: The Mahila Mangal Dal is a women's organization dedicated to forest conservation. It was formed because local forests in Kangad had degraded, forcing women to travel long distances for fuel, fodder, and water. When the Forest Department employed village men to fell trees, causing conflict, the women decided to act. Their activities included successfully resisting tree felling, subsequently deciding to revive degraded forests, raising contributions from families, and initially hiring a forest guard. When the guard became negligent, the Mahila Mangal Dal members took over guarding the forests themselves. After four months of resistance, their efforts led to saving their forest and inspired them to take responsibility for its regeneration, ensuring mixed natural oak forests recovered across Garhwal. They also compelled the Forest Department to plant indigenous fodder trees instead of commercial poplars.
In simple words: The Mahila Mangal Dal is a women's group formed in Kangad to save their degraded forests after men were hired to cut them. They fought for four months, saved their forest, then decided to regenerate it, collecting funds for a guard, and eventually guarding it themselves to ensure its protection and the planting of beneficial indigenous trees.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing the efforts of a group, emphasize its formation, the challenges faced, the specific actions taken, and the measurable outcomes, including both immediate and long-term impacts.

 

3. Reading Comprehension

Read the extract and answer the questions:

This grass roots struggle against commercial cutting of the Himalayan forests of Uttar Pradesh has forced the state government to rethink its strategy. Commercial felling, in fact, is now banned above a height of 1000 m. But there are large areas of degraded forests, and the Forest Department has failed to reafforest them. As a result, there is now a severe scarcity of animal fodder and domestic fuel, and acute water shortage.

Questions:
(1) What is the impact of the grass root struggle against the commercial cutting of the Himalayan forests of Uttar Pradesh?
(2) What are the effects of degraded forests ?
Answer: (1) The grassroots struggle against the commercial felling in the Himalayan forests of Uttar Pradesh has compelled the state government to reconsider its forestry strategy. Consequently, commercial tree felling is now prohibited above an altitude of 1000 meters. (2) The degradation of forests has led to a severe shortage of animal fodder and domestic fuel, coupled with an acute water scarcity in the affected regions.
In simple words: The local resistance against commercial logging in Uttar Pradesh led the government to ban tree felling above 1000m. However, degraded forests still cause severe shortages of animal feed, cooking fuel, and water.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing an extract, break down questions into specific parts (e.g., impact of struggle, effects of degradation) and provide direct, concise answers for each, drawing only from the provided text.

 

Females for Forestry Summary in Gujarati

‘વૃક્ષ બચાવો' ઝુંબેશમાં સ્ત્રીઓના યોગદાન વિશે વાત કરવામાં આવી છે. પર્વતીય વિસ્તારોમાં જંગલો એ સમગ્ર અર્થવ્યવસ્થાનો પાયો છે. વૃક્ષોના લાભ સર્વવિદિત છે છતાંય વૃક્ષછેદન અટકતું નથી. ગઢવાલ વિસ્તારમાં વૃક્ષો બચાવવા 'સત્યાગ્રહ' શરૂ કરાયો. તેને કચડવા માગતા દૂર શાસને અનેક લોકોના જીવ લીધા. વૃક્ષોને બચાવવા સ્ત્રીઓ અને બાળકો વૃક્ષોને બાથ ભીડી ઊભાં રહી જતાં તેને 'ચીપકો આંદોલન’ નામ અપાયું. આ બધાં પ્રબળ આંદોલનોએ સરકારને પણ તેમની વ્યુહરચના બદલવાનું વિચારતી કરી. આ આંદોલને લીલાંછમ જંગલોને બચાવ્યાં અને પર્યાવરણનું રક્ષણ કર્યું. ટેહરી-ગઢવાલની સ્ત્રીઓએ પશુઓના ઘાસચારા માટે, રાંધવા માટેના બળતણ માટે અને પાણી માટે દૂર દૂર જવું પડતું હતું. તેથી તેમણે આ નાશ પામી રહેલાં જંગલોને બચાવવાનું અને તેમને પુનર્જીવિત કરવાના સંકલ્પ લીધા.

જંગલના સંરક્ષણને તેમણે તેમની નૈતિક જવાબદારી તરીકે સ્વીકાર્યું. કાંગડ નામના ગામમાં તો એક બાજુ સ્ત્રીઓ અને બાળકો કોઈ પણ વૃક્ષ કાપવા દેવા તૈયાર નહોતા ત્યારે બીજી બાજુ જંગલખાતાએ તે જ ગામના પુરુષોને વૃક્ષો કાપવા માટે રોજગારીએ રાખ્યા. આ સ્ત્રીઓ અને પુરુષ વચ્ચે સંઘર્ષ શરૂ થયો, અંતે સ્ત્રીઓનો વિજય થયો. તેમણે એક મહિલામંગળ દળ' તૈયાર કર્યું અને નાશ પામેલાં જંગલોને પુનર્જીવિત કરવાનું કાર્ય હાથ ધર્યું.

કુટુંબના ઢોરની સંખ્યાના પ્રમાણમાં ફાળો ઉઘરાવી પ્રતિમાસ 2 Rs.300ના વેતનથી એક જંગલરક્ષક નીમ્યો પણ સમય જતાં તે બેદરકાર થતો ગયો અને છેવટે આ ગામની સ્ત્રીઓએ જ વારાફરતી જંગલ બચાવવાની જવાબદારી ઉપાડી લીધી. એક સમયે જંગલખાતાની નવાં વૃક્ષો વાવવાની દરખાસ્ત સાથે સંમત થઈ તેમણે 15,000 જેટલા ખાડા પણ ખોધા, પરંતુ જ્યારે એમના ધ્યાનમાં આવ્યું કે જેગલખાતું તો વિદેશી વ્યાવસાયિક ‘પૉપ્લર' વૃક્ષો રોપવા ઇચ્છે છે, તો તેમણે વિરોધ કર્યો અને તેને બદલે પશુઓના ચારા માટે ઉપયોગી દેશી વૃક્ષો વાવવા જંગલખાતાને દબાણ કર્યું. આમ ઉત્તર પ્રદેશના આ પર્વતીય વિસ્તારમાં સ્ત્રીઓના સંઘર્ષમય પ્રયત્નોથી હવે જંગલો પુનર્જીવિત થવા લાગ્યાં છે, જેને લીધે ખેતી તથા પશુપાલનને પણ ટેકો મળશે અને પૂર તથા જમીન ધોવાણની સમસ્યાઓ પર પણ નિયંત્રણ લાવી શકાશે. આ સામૂહિક જંગલ બચાવો યોજનાઓની અસર આજુબાજુનાં ગામડાઓ પર પણ પડી છે અને તાકીદના આ રાષ્ટ્રીય કાર્યનો સૌથી અસરકારક રસ્તો લાધ્યો છે.

 

Glossary (શબ્દાર્થ)

secret (n.) (સીક્રેટ) mystery-રહસ્ય, ભેદ
take (u.) (ટેફ) accept-લેવું, મેળવવું (took ભૂ.કા., taken ભૂ.કૃ.)
ore-bed (n.) (ઝોર-મેડ) a piece of ground from which metal can be obtained - ધાતુની ક્યારી
mine (n.) (માઇન) a pit from which coal, metal, salt, etc. are obtained by digging - ખાણ
melt (v.) (મેલ્ટ) dissolve, disintegrate, turn from solid to liquid - પીગળાવવું
furnace (n.) (ફર્નેસ) heater - ભઠ્ઠી
pit (n.) (પિટ) ditch - ખાડો
cast (v.) (કાસ્ટ) mould - બીબામાં ઢાળવું (cast ભૂ.કા. / ભૂ.કૃ.)
were wrought (v.) (રૉટ) worked - ઘડતર કરાયું (to work ક્રિયાપદનું ભૂ.કા. અને ભૂ.કૃ. wrought છે. (old English)
hammer (v.) (હૅમર) pound - હથોડાથી ટીપવું
design (v.) (ડિઝાઈન) arrange, plan - નિર્માણ કરવું
fille (v.) (ફાઈલ) put in a good shape - ઘસીને ધારદાર કરવું કે ચમકાવવું
tool (v.) (ટૂલ) apparatus, device - -ના પર ઓજારથી કામ કરવું
gauge (v.) (ગેઈજ) measure - માપવું, માપણી કરવી
fit (v.) (ફિટ) fix - સાનુકૂળ કે બંધબેસતું બનાવવું
task (n.) (ટાસ્ક) assignment, job - કાર્ય
serve (v.) (સર્વ) deliver, provide - સેવા આપવી
remember (v.) (રિમેમ્બર) recall, recognize - યાદ રાખવું
vital (adj.) (વાઈટલ) important - અગત્યનું
resource (n.) (રિસોર્સ) source of supply - સ્ત્રોત
exploit (p.) (ઈક્સપ્લૉઇટ) utilize, use selfishly - વાપરવું, સ્વાર્થ ખાતર ઉપયોગ કરવો
timber (n.) (ટિમ્બર) wood used as a building material - ઇમારતી લાકડું
expand (v.) (ઈક્સપાન્ડ) increase the size - પહોળું કરવું
plains (n.) (પ્લેન્સ) flat or smooth level of land - સમથળ જમીન, સપાટ ભૂમિ / મેદાન
cultivation (n.) (કલ્ટિવેશન) planting crops - વાવણી
clearing (n.) (ક્લિયરિંગ) area/land from which trees have been removed - (ખેતી માટે) વૃક્ષો કાપીને સાફ કરેલી જમીન
contradiction (n.) (કોન્ટ્રડિક્શન) asserting to be untrue - પ્રત્યક્ષ વિરોધ, વિસંગતિ
non-cooperation (n.) (નોન-કોઓપરેશન) not working or acting jointly/together - અસહકાર
resistance (n.) (રેઝિસ્ટન્સ) dispute, conflict - વિરોધ, સંઘર્ષ
obtain (v.) (ઓબ્ટેન) get, acquire - મેળવવું
oppressive (adj.) (ઓપ્રેસિવ) cruel, crushing, harmful, unjust - કઠોર, દમન કરનારું, નુકસાન પહોંચાડનારું, અન્યાયી
armed force (n.) (આર્મ્ડ ફોર્સ) (here) army with weapons - સશસ્ત્ર લશ્કર
form (v.) (ફૉર્મ) (here) raise, create - ઊભું કરવું, રચવું, બનાવવું
protest (v.) (પ્રોટેસ્ટ) oppose, challenge - વિરોધ કરવો, પડકારવું
embrace (u.) (ઈમ્બ્રેસ) hug, bring close to oneself - ગળે લગાડવું, ભેટવું
saw (n.) (સૉ) tool (blade with teeth) used for cutting wood - કરવત, કરવતી
emotionally (adv.) (ઈમોશનલી) with a strong feeling of love, attachment, etc. - ભાવાત્મક રીતે
fell (v.) (ફેલ) cut (a tree) - (વૃક્ષ) કાપવું

Glossary (શબ્દાર્થ)

Phrases And Idioms

ભાષાંતર

ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र 'चिपको आंदोलन' को दर्शाता है, जहाँ ग्रामीण लोग पेड़ों को काटने से बचाने के लिए उन्हें गले लगा रहे हैं। इसमें दिखाया गया है कि महिलाएं, बच्चे और कुछ पुरुष पेड़ों को घेरकर खड़े हैं, जबकि दो पुरुष कुल्हाड़ी लिए उन्हें काटने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं। यह दृश्य पेड़ों के प्रति लोगों के भावनात्मक लगाव और वनों की सुरक्षा के उनके दृढ़ संकल्प को प्रदर्शित करता है।