Question

Write short note on Indian Forest Act of 1865?When this law was amended twice in 1878 and 1927, What were the changes happened in this law?

Answer 1

The increasing demand for timber led to the growing significance of forests as a source of revenue. Forests also gained strategic importance with the growing requirement for timber for the expanding railway network. So the British began extending their control over forests in India after passing the Forest Acts..

                The 1865 Indian Forest Act asserted the monopoly of the British over the Indian forest land, and gave the government undisputable power to regulate the forest and pastures. But this Act had many drawbacks.

                So it was revised and new regulations for smooth functioning and scientific management of the Indian forests came into being, as the Indian Forest Act 1878. It was made applicable to the Reserve Forests, Protected Forests and Village Forests. These forests were constituted legally for the first time.

                It enabled the Revenue and Forest Department to control the entire forest and grazing land. It gave the power to the state to effectively regulate the wasteland. It also allowed some privileges to the forest dwellers, specially the tribes.

                Finally the 1878 Act was superseded with all law-relating factors and amended in 1927 which is known as XVI of the Indian Forest Act 1927, that is still in force.

Answer 2

In both years, the purpose was to reserve the areas that are covered with forests, save the wildlife, and regulate the movement of forest produce. The law defined the procedure that has to be followed in Reserved Forest, Protected Forest and Village Forest. And if some one breaks the rules, they have to face the prohibition and penalties