Gaura Devi

Gaura Devi was an Indian environmental activist known for her courageous resistance to deforestation in the Himalayas. In 1975, she led a grassroots movement to protect a forest in Uttarakhand from being cut down by forestry officials and workers. She organized local villagers, especially women, to physically block the machinery, demonstrating communal resolve to preserve their environment. Her actions helped raise awareness about the importance of forests for local ecosystems and livelihoods, inspiring future environmental activism in India. Gaura Devi is celebrated as a symbol of environmental protection and community-led conservation efforts.