Which statement is correct about colonial forest policy?

Correct answer: It prioritised state and market needs over local rights

The direct answer is A: colonial forest policy prioritised state and market needs over local rights. Colonial governments wanted revenue, timber and secure supplies for imperial projects such as railways and ships. They therefore classified forests, introduced permits and restrictions, and reduced many customary rights of villagers, pastoralists and shifting cultivators. Step by step, commercial demand led to rules; rules gave officials authority; officials enforced the rules; local access became limited. Option A is correct because it states the main priority of the policy. Option B is wrong because restrictions increased rather than disappeared. Option C is wrong because local customs were often restricted or redefined, not made the only source of law. Option D is wrong because railways needed enormous quantities of timber, especially sleepers, and were not stopped from using it. Memory cue: colonial forest policy usually means revenue, timber and imperial needs before local rights.