What was the relation between local loss and imperial gain in understanding deforestation?

Correct answer: Local communities lost resources and livelihoods, while the empire gained timber, revenue and plantation profits

Under colonial rule, forests were cleared for railway sleepers, ships, timber and plantation land. The government and commercial interests gained revenue and raw materials, while local people lost access to fuelwood, fodder, food, grazing and forest-based livelihoods. Option B is incorrect because the gains and losses were not shared equally. Exam tip: link the loss of local livelihoods with colonial economic gain when answering on deforestation.