CBSE Class 9 Answered

 Yes, the British framed Forest laws for their own benefit. Some examples are

1. The British introduced the principle of scientific forestry to systematically exploit the forests of India. Timber which was, thus, produced was exported to Britain.

2. While on one hand, the forest acts denied the tribal and village communities their customary rights to use the forest produce for earning their basic livelihood, on the other hand, vast chunks of forests were destroyed by the government to expand railways in India. Railways were used to further exploit resources of the country.

3. Many Indian tribal communities in India lived by hunting animals. Hunting by villagers was banned by the government. However, the government officials themselves participated in various hunting activities to such an extent that many species of animals became extinct in the country. Thus, while the tribals who hunted only to support themselves were penalised, the British officials made hunting a sport and killed thousands of tigers, lion, deer and other animals for their own pleasure.