Explain the three different categories of forests classified by the forest department.

The forests are classified under the following categories:
(i) Reserved Forests: These forests are permanently earmarked either for production of timber or other forest produce. Right of grazing and cultivation is seldom allowed in these forests. In India more than half of the total forest land has been declared reserved forests. These forests are regarded as the most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources are concerned.
(ii) Protected Forests: Right of grazing and cultivation are allowed subject to few restrictions. One-third of forest area consists of protected forests. These forests are protected from further depletion.
(iii) Unclassed Forests: These forests consist of inaccessible forests or unoccupied forests. They belong to both government and private individuals and communities.