Question

Explain the three different categories of forest classified by the forest depatment.

Answer 1

There can be a number of bases  for the clas­sification of Indian forests. Based on (A) administra­tive point of view Indian forests were classified under following three categories during the British rule:

1. Reserved forests-These forests were under the direct supervision of the government where no public entry was allowed for collecting timber and grazing of cattle. About 53 per cent (40.1 millionth.) of forest area fell under this category.

2. Protected forests-These forests were looked after by the government but here local people were allowed to collect timber/fire wood and graze their cattle without causing serious damage to the forests. These occupy about 29 per cent (21.5 million ha) of the total area of forests in the country.

3. Unclassified forests-These are unclassified forests where there is no restriction on the cutting of trees and cattle grazing. About 18 per cent (13.1 million ha) of the country's forests fell under this category.

Answer 2

(1) reserved forest(2) protected forest(3) unclassed forests.