What shows that deforestation was not one-sided development while studying its causes?

Correct answer: The colonial economy benefited, while local livelihoods and lives were affected

Under colonial rule, forests were cleared on a large scale for railways, shipbuilding, plantations and agricultural expansion. The government and colonial economy gained timber and revenue, but Adivasi and other local communities lost or faced restrictions on livelihoods, grazing, fuel collection and forest rights. Thus, development did not benefit everyone equally. Option B is incorrect because the benefits were not shared equally. Exam tip: In questions on colonial forest policy, connect economic gains with their impact on local communities.