Aurangabad/Mumbai, May 21 :Maharashtra state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari Today expressed condolences on the demise of renowned environmentalist and leader of the Chipko movement Padma Vibhushan Sunderlal Bahuguna.

In a official condolences message, Mr Koshiyari stated that , Bahuguna was a saintly figure who dedicated his entire life to the cause of preservation and protection of forests and the Himalayan system.

A freedom fighter, Bahuguna adopted Gandhian methods of Satyagraha to mobilize women in the anti-liquor movement.

He led the epic Chipko movement and also strived for the rehabilitation of the project affected persons.

I had the honour of knowing Himalaya Putra Bahuguna intimately.

In him we have lost one of the greatest environmental crusader.

I pay my respects to the departed soul and convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and his numerous followers, he added.(UNI)