Why can deforestation be called a process with unequal impact on local society?

Correct answer: Benefits went to colonial authorities and commercial groups, while forest-dependent people suffered losses

Deforestation and colonial forest policies supplied timber, railway sleepers and land for commercial cultivation, mainly benefiting colonial authorities and commercial interests. In contrast, forest-dependent communities lost access to fuel, fodder, food, grazing and livelihoods. Hence, the impact was unequal. Option B is incorrect because benefits were not shared equally. Exam tip: mention both the groups that gained and the forest-dependent groups that lost access to resources.