WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -With the introduction of railways in India in the 18th century, the demand for Timber rose which was due to the reason that the train tracks were made up of Timber, and to run the locomotive wood as fuel was required. During this time Timber was also used to make weapons and ships.

Detailed explanation-2: -Wood was needed as fuel to run the steam locomotives. Wood was also needed to lay railway line sleepers, which held the railway tracks together. So, forests were destroyed to provide the wood needed for the expansion of railways.

Detailed explanation-3: -The trees that were cut were used as sleepers to hold railway tracks together and as fuel to run locomotives. Additionally, the government granted contracts to local contractors for supplying timber for sleepers. This also led to indiscriminate tree-felling.

Detailed explanation-4: -Forest resources of India were used to make ships for the Royal Navy. The spread of railways required two things: land to be cleared to lay railway tracks, wood as fuel for locomotives and for railway line sleepers. Large areas of natural forests were cleared for tea, coffee, and rubber plantations.

Detailed explanation-5: -question. Large quantities of wood were used in the building of railways. Tall and strong trees that could provide hardwood were used in the process of shipbuilding and making railways. When a shortage of oak trees was realized, then timber from India was exported to England.