Why were wasteland rules enacted in various parts of the country?

The colonial government wanted to convert all grazing land into cultivated land as land revenue was one of the main sources of its finance. By cultivation, it could yield more revenue and at same time produce more cotton, jute, wheat and other agriculture products that were required in England.

To colonial official all uncultivated land was unproductive. It was seen as wasteland and had to be brought under cultivation. According to them forest which is used for grazing cannot be used for any other purpose and is unable to yield timber and fuel, which arc the main legitimate forest produce. In 19th century wasteland
rules were enacted in many parts of the country.