(i) By the mid-nineteenth century, various Forest Acts were being enacted in the different provinces. Through these Acts some forests which produced commercially valuable timber like deodar or sal were declared ‘Reserved’. 

(ii) No pastoralist was allowed access to reserved forests. Other forests were classified as ‘Protected’. In protected forests, some customary grazing rights of pastoralists were granted but their movements were severely restricted. 

(iii) These Forest Acts changed the lives of pastoralists. They were now prevented from entering many forests that had earlier provided valuable forage for their cattle. 

(iv) Even in the areas they were allowed entry, their movements were regulated. They needed a permit for entry. The timing of their entry and departure was specified, and the number of days they could spend in the forest was limited. 

(v) Pastoralists could no longer remain in an area even if forage was available, they had to move because the ‘Forest Department permits’ that had been issued to them now ruled their lives. The permit specified the periods in which they could be legally within a forest. If they overstayed they were liable to fines.