Appiko Movement was started in September 1983 in Salkani village, Sirsi taluk, Karnataka. It was a strong environmental campaign led by the local villagers to protect the Kalase forest in the Western Ghats. Inspired by the famous Chipko Movement of Uttarakhand, the villagers adopted the same method of hugging trees  to stop them from being cut down.

The word Appiko means to hug in the Kannada language. In this movement, hundreds of men, women, and children formed human chains around trees, shouting slogans, and forcing contractors to stop logging. Over time, the movement became a symbol. 

Appiko Movement History 

In 1983, the Karnataka Forest Department gave permission to cut down the natural forests of the Kalase region for commercial logging. 

• Private contractors started chopping down trees, which directly threatened the livelihoods of the local villagers who depended on the forest for firewood, fodder, fruits, herbs, and water.
• At this point, a school teacher and environmentalist, Pandurang Hegde, decided to take action. He gathered villagers, explained the danger of losing their forests, and mobilized them into a peaceful protest.
• On 8th September 1983, the villagers hugged trees, forming human chains, and stopped the axes from falling. Their slogan became:

“Appiko! Appiko! Ulisu!”
(Hug the trees and save them!)

• This marked the beginning of the Appiko Movement, which quickly spread to other parts of the Western Ghats.

Also read – Narmada Bachao Andolan

Pandurang Hegde

Appiko Movement Objectives 

Appiko Movement united local communities and created a strong environmental awareness across Karnataka. To understand how these goals turned into action, let’s look at the major events that shaped the movement’s journey. The movement had five main objectives:

• Stop Deforestation – Prevent the cutting of natural forests for commercial use.
• Promote Afforestation – Plant local tree species that naturally suit the region.
• Spread Awareness – Use street plays, folk songs, and padyatras to educate villagers about forest conservation.
• Protect Biodiversity – Save endangered plants, animals, and native ecosystems.
• Fight Commercial Exploitation – Oppose projects like dams, mining, and monoculture plantations that damage the environment.
• Appiko Movement became a people’s campaign, linking traditional forest knowledge with modern environmentalism.

Also Read – Biogeographic Zones of India

Appiko Movement Leader Pandurang Hegde

Appiko Movement was led by Pandurang Hegde, a visionary environmentalist from Uttara Kannada. Inspired by Sunderlal Bahuguna and the Chipko Movement, he focused on sustainable forest use rather than banning access completely.

Under his leadership:

• The movement gained statewide attention.
• Logging in sensitive areas was reduced.
• Villagers became active participants in forest decision-making.
• Policies for sustainable forestry were implemented.

Sunderlal Bahuguna

Appiko Movement Major Events 

These events marked the turning point in Karnataka’s environmental history. The unity of villagers and their peaceful protests forced authorities to rethink forest policies, making the Appiko Movement one of India’s most successful grassroots environmental campaigns.

Appiko Movement Impact 

Appiko Movement had a long-lasting impact on India’s environmental policies and awareness:

• Policy Changes – The Karnataka government restricted commercial logging.
• Awareness Creation – Educated thousands of people about environmental issues.
• Educational Importance – The movement’s story is now taught in school textbooks.
• Inspired Eco-Activism – Youth-led environmental campaigns started across India.
• Focus on Sustainable Development – Sparked debates about balancing development and environment.

Appiko vs Chipko Movement

While both the Chipko and Appiko Movements aimed to protect forests, their methods, regions, and impacts were slightly different. Together, they shaped India’s environmental policies and inspired future conservation efforts, making them landmark movements in India’s ecological history.

Appiko Movement at a Glance

Appiko Movement, but to truly understand its importance, we need to explore its history, objectives, major events, and lasting impact on forest conservation in India.

Also read – National Parks In India

Conclusion

Appiko Movement was more than just a protest, it was a people’s revolution to save forests and biodiversity. It taught India the value of community-led conservation and became an inspiration for eco-activists across the country. As climate change continues to threaten our natural resources, the lessons from Appiko remind us that protecting forests means protecting life itself.

Appiko Movement FAQs 

Appiko Movement was started in which state?

Appiko Movement was started in Karnataka in Salkani village, Sirsi taluk of Uttara Kannada district.

Appiko Movement started in which year?

Appiko Movement started in September 1983 in Karnataka. It was launched to protect the Western Ghats forests from deforestation.

Who led the Appiko Movement?

The movement was led by Pandurang Hegde, a teacher and environmentalist. He united villagers to save forests using peaceful protests..

What was the main aim of the Appiko Movement?

Its main aim was to stop deforestation, protect biodiversity, promote afforestation, and ensure sustainable use of forests.

What is the difference between the Chipko and Appiko Movement?

Chipko Movement (1973) took place in Uttarakhand, while the Appiko Movement (1983) started in Karnataka. Both focused on forest conservation but operated in different regions.