THE EFFECTS OF COLONIALISM ON FORESTS AND THE LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE GARHWAL-HIMALAYA, INDIA

The present condition of forests in the Garhwal Himalaya results from traditional use by local inhabitants and from government legislation. This paper discusses the impact of human activities on the forest and land resources of the region over the past 200 years. During British o ccupation (1815-1947) the region was divided into two parts-British Ga rhwal, controlled by the British government in India, and Tehri State, governed by a native king. The systems of management were similar in each area, although the Forest Department was better organized in Brit ish Garhwal. The major causes of deforestation were traditional practi ces such as the clearing of forest for agriculture and settlement. Thi s cleared land was exempt from government revenue collection for many years and this was one reason why small scattered villages were establ ished in distant forests by local people. Land settlement first took p lace in British Garhwal and occurred much later in Tehri State. Land r esources, including forest, were the major source of revenue and State intervention in forest use resulted in unrest among Himalayan peasant s. This dependence on forests for revenue increased significantly afte r Independence, with consequent environmental degradation and new soci al tensions.