India’s environmental journey wasn’t built by a single law or leader. It was forged in forests, courts, riversides, and urban protest sites — by communities, tragedies, and legal reforms that forced the country to reconsider how it treats its natural resources. Here are eight pivotal moments that continue to shape how India protects its forests, rivers, wildlife, and people.

1. The Chipko Movement (1973)

Where: Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh)

In the Himalayan village of Reni, women famously hugged sal trees to stop them from being felled by contractors. Their peaceful resistance sparked a wave of similar protests across the hills.

Impact: In 1980, the government banned green felling in the Alaknanda basin for 15 years. Chipko validated local ownership of resources and laid........

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