The earliest indication of forestry administration in India dates back to 300 BC, during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. A Superintendent of Forests was appointed to oversee the management of forests and wildlife, a practice that continued under Emperor Ashoka. Significant importance was placed on planting trees along roadsides and at camping sites, demonstrating early efforts to integrate environmental considerations into public infrastructure.
Mughal Period
The Mughal Empire's approach to forests was marked by indifference. While they showed interest in trees for gardening and plantations along avenues, they lacked a comprehensive understanding of forest ecosystems and their preservation. The Mughals primarily viewed forests as game reserves and did not establish policies for forest conservation or sustainable use. The emphasis on agricultural expansion led to significant deforestation, supported by state incentives. Additionally, the Mughal invasion pushed parts of the farming community into forests, resulting in the adoption of shifting cultivation practices that further damaged forest areas.
Colonial Exploitation
Heavy destruction of forests occurred during the later part
of the 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly under European influence.
The early years of the British Raj saw extensive exploitation of India's timber
resources. The teak forests along the Malabar coast were heavily exploited to
meet the needs of the British Navy. In 1800, a commission was appointed to
investigate the availability of teak, leading to further over-exploitation.
Similarly, sandalwood trees in South India were harvested extensively for
export to European markets.
Initiation of Conservation Efforts
The history of Indian forests in the modern period is largely characterized by efforts towards conservation. The appointment of the first Conservator of Forests in 1806 marked the beginning of organized forestry management, primarily to ensure a steady timber supply from the West Coast. The first teak plantation was established in Nilambur, Kerala, in 1842, representing an early step towards conservation forestry.
In 1855, the Government of India issued a memorandum outlining rules for forest conservation across the country. Dr. Dietrich Brandis, appointed as the first Inspector General of Forests in 1864, played a pivotal role in shaping forest management policies. The first Indian Forest Act was drafted in 1865 and revised in 1878, introducing the classification of forests into Reserve and Protected categories.
Developments in the 20th Century
The consolidation of forest management continued into the 20th century. The Imperial Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 in Dehradun, followed by the creation of the Board of Forestry at the national level in 1910. However, political changes in 1921 led to the decentralization of forest administration, making it a provincial subject. This shift diluted the national character of forest administration.
World Wars I and II had a detrimental impact on forest conservation efforts. The demand for fuel, timber, and charcoal for military purposes led to extensive deforestation. The Second World War, in particular, caused significant damage as forests were exploited to support the war effort.
Post-Independence Period
Following India's independence in 1947, the focus shifted to consolidating forest management, unifying forest laws, and extending scientific management practices. In the early 1950s, new legislation was enacted to reform land tenure systems, bringing large areas of privately owned forests under state control. Wildlife conservation measures were also implemented.
Despite these efforts, the post-independence period saw the
rapid growth of forest-based industries, leading to continued exploitation of
forest resources. The challenge of balancing economic development with forest
conservation remains a critical issue in contemporary India.
