Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the identification of a prominent leader associated with the 'Chipko Movement,' a landmark environmental conservation effort in India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• 1. Overview of Chipko Movement: Originating in the 1970s in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, this was a non-violent social and ecological movement by rural villagers, particularly women, to protect trees from government-backed logging. The word 'Chipko' means 'to hug' or 'to stick to,' as protestors hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down.
• 2. Role of Sundarlal Bahuguna: Bahuguna was a world-renowned environmentalist who provided the movement with a philosophical framework and global visibility. He is famous for the slogan "Ecology is permanent economy."
• 3. Contributions: He undertook a 5,000-kilometer trans-Himalayan march to spread awareness and successfully lobbied for a 15-year ban on felling green trees in the Himalayan region.
• 4. Other Personalities: Anna Hazare (Option A) is known for rural development and anti-corruption. Vinoba Bhave (Option B) started the Bhoodan movement. Rajender Singh (Option C) is the 'Waterman of India' known for water conservation in Rajasthan.
• 5. Significance: The movement is a core topic in Home Science extension and community development as it highlights the power of grassroots movements and women's participation in resource management.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Sundarlal Bahuguna is a well-known crusader of the Chipko movement.