Environmental movements like Chipko have become historical landmarks because the ecological insights and political and moral strengths of women have fueled them.
It was a resurgence of woman power and ecological concern in the Garhwal Himalayas interwoven in a mosaic of various factors. The issue was of planting trees and planting ecologically appropriate trees. Women were protesting against replacement of mixed forests by the commercially valuable pine, which was a major reason for increasing economical instability of the Himalayan region and the growing economic deprivation of Garhwali women.
Life-sustaining forestry was to give way to life-destroying practices. The Chipko movement showed that devolution of environmental rights and obligations is the more important aspect of environmental management.