Arvind Kejriwal demands Bharat Ratna for Chipko Andolan pioneer Sunderlal Bahuguna

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday demanded highest civilian award Bharat Ratna for environmentalist and chipko movement pioneer Sunderlal Bahuguna. 

Notably, an eco-activist Sunderlal Bahuguna who passed away at an age of 94 due to COVID-19 on 21st May 2021, made the Chipko movement in the 1970s a movement of the masses. Later, he led the Anti-Tehri Dam movement starting in the 1980s to early 2004. He spent his life persuading and educating the villagers to protest against the destruction of the forests and Himalayan mountains. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2009.

"Bahuguna was known all over the world and the entire world is proud of him. We demand from the Central Government and PM that Sunderlal Bahuguna be awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously," Mr Kejriwal said during an event at Legislative Assembly. Mr Arvind Kejriwal said that he will pen down a letter to the prime minister in this regard.

The Chief Minister unveiled a portrait of Bahuguna and planted saplings in the complex.
The son of late Sunderlal Bahuguna, Rajiv Nayan Bahuguna and other family members were also felicitated during this occasion. Bahuguna fought against deforestation and construction of dams. The chipko movement led by him became a popular agitation around the world.

Along with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla, AAP Uttarakhand state in-charge Dinesh Mohania, Colonel Ajay Kothiyal, co-in-charge Rajiv Chaudhary were also present during this occasion. 

While welcoming Bahuguna's family members Arvind Kejriwal expressed happiness over the full attendance of Delhi Assembly MLAs gathered to pay homage to Late environmentalist. 

Mr. Arvind Kejriwal said that the entire assembly has turned pious after unveiling Bahuguna's portrait and statue in the Delhi Assembly. He added that Late Bahuguna was a great personality and he will be an inspirational figure for the coming generations due to his sacrifices.