Final answer:
Deforestation and unsustainable farming practices led to significant soil degradation in the Himalayan foothills, with effects such as soil erosion, reduced organic matter, and increased salinity. The Chipko Movement, led by village women, was a significant environmental activism response to these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soil degradation in the Himalayan foothills occurred due to deforestation and unsuitable farming practices, leading to erosion and other soil health issues. The situation was exacerbated during colonial rule with forests being exploited for timber, especially during the world wars and continuing after India's independence. With increasing demand, women played a pivotal role in what would later be known as the Chipko Movement, agitating against the felling of trees and preserving the vitality of their environment
Soil erosion has been a major consequence of deforestation in the region, where the removal of tree cover accelerated the loss of soil stability. Furthermore, farming land has become highly degraded, with a significant chunk of agricultural land suffering due to erosion, loss of organic matter, and soil salinity. In the wake of these environmental challenges, movements arose that underscored the importance of local and decentralized activism in environmental conservation.