Forest Grant Rules from 1870-1879

A period of stagnation in the Sundarbans' forest management, intensified by policy declarations and lack of enforcement, marked the period from 1870 to 1879. The Forest Grant Rules during this decade, though applicable across the region, were largely ineffective due to minimal practical implementation. Leases for reclamation were restricted to lands adjacent to existing reclaimed blocks, with terms lasting up to 99 years and revenue exemptions for the first 20 years. This stagnation was exacerbated in 1874 by a policy declaration from Sir Richard Temple, Lieutenant-Governor at the time, following his tour through the Sundarbans. The study, based on historical records, sheds light on the administrative challenges and policy shifts that influenced forest management during this critical period.

Ascoli, F. D., & Bhattacharyya, A. (2019). Forest Grant Rules from 1870-1879. A Revenue History of the Sundarbans, 113–125. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003018667-2