Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone and India is no exception. With the rising frequency and intensity of climate-related extreme weather events, developing countries like India are facing increasing pressures to focus on climate mitigation and adaptation. While the government plays a significant role in addressing these issues, climate activists across India have been instrumental in championing the cause and pushing for action.
One of India’s earliest environmental movements, the Chipko Movement, set the stage for grassroots activism. In 1964, Gandhian activist Chandi Prasad Bhatt founded the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal (DGSM) to promote small-scale rural industries using local resources. After severe floods in 1970 linked to industrial logging, DGSM raised concerns over large-scale logging.
The first Chipko protest took place in 1973 in Mandal in modern-day Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh). Here, the villagers, led by Bhatt, hugged trees to stop logging after the government prioritised a sporting goods manufacturer over local needs. The Chipko Movement's success inspired a chain of similar protests and movements in the region. In 1974, women in Reni situated in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, led by Gaura Devi, confronted loggers and forced them to leave, ultimately leading to a 10-year logging ban on commercial logging in the area.
Named after the Hindi word chipko (meaning “hug”), the movement was a non-violent protest against large-scale destruction of forests for commercial use. It not only protected local forests but also inspired a generation of environmental activism in India, emphasising on the importance of commercial logging in the area.
Today, the legacy of such movements continues through the efforts of modern climate activists who work tirelessly to raise awareness on climate change and mobilise action to help mitigate and adapt to its consequences.
From organising community-level initiatives to advocating for policy changes, these activists seek to advance India's sustainable future. Their work highlights the importance of preserving the environment so that future generations can inherit a healthier, more secure planet.
Madhav Gadgil: A Tryst With Conservation
Born on 24 May 1942, veteran Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil has dedicated his career to community-driven conservation. His groundbreaking work includes the creation of India’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986, which is now the largest protected area in India. Gadgil’s research on the importance of preserving ecosystems for the benefit of marginalised communities has influenced key environmental policies. For his contributions, Gadgil has received global recognition, including the Champions of the Earth Award from the United Nations.
Rajendra Singh: The Waterman of India
Born on August 6, 1959, Rajendra Singh is a water conservationist and environmentalist from the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Dubbed as the "Waterman of India" for his contributions in the field of river rejuvenation, Rajendra Singh is credited for transforming the water landscape of Rajasthan through grassroots conservation efforts. His organisation, Tarun Bharat Sangh, has built over 14,000 water structures, reviving rivers and improving water security for thousands of villages. Singh’s work has earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award and global recognition for his commitment to water ethics and sustainable development.
Jadav Payeng: The Forest Man of India
Jadav Payeng from Assam is famous for his extraordinary efforts aimed at greening the sandbar of the Brahmaputra river. In 1979, Payeng began planting trees on a barren sandbar in the Majuli Island, which has since transformed into the lush Molai forest spread over 1,300 acres. His dedication to combating erosion and enhancing biodiversity has earned him the title of the "Forest Man of India" Payeng was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2015.
Sumaira Abdulali: The Sand Mafia Warrior
Sumaira Abdulali, born in May 1961, is an environmentalist from Mumbai. Abdulali has been advocating against illegal sand mining and noise pollution. Founder of the Awaaz Foundation, Abdulali brought global attention to the environmental impacts of sand mining through campaigns and public interest litigations. Her work has resulted in the first court order against illegal sand mining in India. She has contributed significantly to implement noise pollution regulations rules notified by the Central Pollution Control Board in Mumbai.
Medha Patkar: Representing the Marginalised
Born in Mumbai on December 1, 1954, Medha Patkar is best known for leading the Narmada Bachao Andolan, a movement protesting the construction of large dams on the Narmada River. Her efforts have highlighted the environmental and social consequences of forced displacement due to largescale development projects. Patkar's commitment to protect the rights of marginalised communities has earned her the Right Livelihood Award.
Marimuthu Yoganathan: Protector of Western Ghats
Marimuthu Yoganathan from Tamil Nadu is a humble bus conductor for the state's transportation corporation. Dubbed as the "Tree Man of India", Yoganathan is known for his quiet revolution of reportedly planting more than 3,00,000 trees across various districts of Tamil Nadu. Yoganathan's sustained efforts towards environmental conservation have been lauded for representing the average citizen's passion for climate activism in India. Apart from the mega greening drive in his state, Yoganathan is also credited for raising voice against illegal logging and spreading awareness about conservation among the youth.
Kinkri Devi: The Warrior of Sirmaur
Kinkri Devi (1925–2007) from Himachal Pradesh became a symbol of resilience when she was raising her voice against the harmful effects of limestone quarrying in Sirmaur. In 1987, Devi started a public interest litigation and a 19-day-long hunger strike, which resulted in a ban on mining activities. Her tireless work earned her national recognition, including an invitation to the International Women’s Conference in Beijing in 1995.
Jamuna Tudu: The 'Lady Tarzan'
Jamuna Tudu was born on December 19, 1980, in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. She was affectionately called the "Lady Tarzan" for her fierce commitment to protecting the forests of Jharkhand from illegal logging. Through the Van Suraksha Samiti, she rallied thousands of villagers to protect nearly 50 hectares of forest land. Tudu’s leadership has made her a beacon of hope for grassroots environmental activism, inspiring several others in her region to join the fight to protect forests.
Archana Soreng: Indigenous Voices
A member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, Archana Soreng is a member of Khadia Tribe in Odisha. Born in 1995 in Bihabandh village, Soreng is one of the leading representatives of indigenous communities in the country, batting for their inclusion in climate policy. Soreng has worked extensively on preserving traditional knowledge and raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on indigenous populations.
Sunita Narain: Leading the Sustainable Agenda
Born in 1961, Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has played a pivotal role in shaping India's environmental policy, especially in the areas of air pollution, water management and industrial waste. Under Narain's leadership, CSE was awarded the Stockholm Water Prize in 2005. A veteran in climate activism, she has been instrumental in framing policies that balance economic development with ecological sustainability. Narain was also listed as one of the most influential people by the Time magazine in 2016.
The work of these environmental champions highlights the power of community-led action in tackling climate change for a sustainable future. As India marches ahead towards its net-zero ambitions, such leadership initiatives along with a strong network of grassroots movements could serve as a beacon for hope for not just India but for the world.
