Question: Vanamali, afraid of further deforestation, issued a diktat against felling of trees in the mountains. In due course, thanks to the booming agriculture, the king along with plains people began to prosper. However, mountain people became relatively poor, thanks to Vanamali’s diktat.
Option 2 is incorrect as stopping the flow of rivers will lead to flooding problems for the mountain people. Option 3 does not guarantee that all the mountain people will get employed in the plains. Thus it is incorrect. Selling forest produce exclusively in the neighbouring kingdoms will not solve their problems as there is no guarantee that it will bring in more money or that there is a demand for their produce in the other kingdoms. Eliminate option 4. Option 5 is incorrect as if they ignore the king’s diktat, they will be punished. Only option 1 is correct as it will ensure a steady income to the mountain people.