How did Forest Acts affect the villagers?

(i) Forest Acts meant severe hardships for the villagers.
(ii) They could not cut wood for their houses. They were not allowed to glaze their cattle, collect fruits and roots or do hunting or fishing in these forests.
(iii) Thus, they stole wood from the forests and if caught, were at the mercy of the forest guards who would take bribes from them.
(iv) It was common for the police constable and forest guards to harass the villagers by demanding free goods from them.