"What was Chipko Andolan"? How did this Andolan ultimately benefit the local people and the environment ?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Chipko Andolan**: The Chipko Andolan, which translates to "Hug the Trees Movement," was a grassroots environmental movement that originated in India in the early 1970s. The term "Chipko" means to hug or cling to something.

2. **Origin of the Movement**: The movement was initiated by environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna in 1973 in a small village in Uttarakhand, India. It was a response to the rampant deforestation occurring in the region.

3. **Actions Taken**: The primary action taken by the local people involved physically hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down. Groups of villagers would encircle the trees, demonstrating their commitment to protecting the forests.

...