Read the following passage and answer, question.

The Chipko Movement, aimed at protecting forests in the Himalayas. In Karnataka, a similar movement took a different name, 'Appiko', which means to hug. On 8 September 1983, when the felling of trees was started in Salkani forest in Sirsi district, 160 men, women and children hugged the trees and forced the woodcutters to leave. They kept vigil in the forest over the next six weeks. Only after the forest officials assured the volunteers that the trees will be cut scientifically and in accordance with the working plan of the district, did they leave the trees.

When commercial felling by contractors damaged a large number of natural forests, the idea of hugging the trees gave the people hope and confidence that they can protect the forests. On that particular incident, with the felling discontinued, the people saved 12,000 trees. Within months, this movement spread to many adjoining districts.

Indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel wood and for industrial use has led to many environmental problems. Twelve years after setting up of a paper mill in Uttar Kanara area, bamboo has been wiped out from that area. "Broad-leaved trees which protected the soil from the direct onslaught of rain have been removed, the soil washed away, and bare laterite soil left behind. Now nothing grows but a weed", says a farmer. Farmers also complain that rivers and rivulets dry up quicker, and that rainfall is becoming erratic. Diseases and insects earlier unknown are now attacking the crops.

Indiscriminate felling of trees for industrial use has led to the problem of :

Diseases and Insects attacking the crops

The correct answer is Option (1) :Diseases and Insects attacking the crops

The passage clearly mentions that due to large-scale cutting of trees:

• Soil erosion increased
• Rainfall became erratic
• Rivers dried up faster
• And importantly, “diseases and insects earlier unknown are now attacking the crops.”

Other Options:

• Option (2) → Not mentioned in the passage
• Option (3) → Not discussed
• Option (4) → Not related to the context