Wood dispatch was a significant event that took place in the history of Indian forestry during the British colonial period. It refers to the government's decision to extract timber from the forests of India and transport it to Britain for various purposes. The process involved felling trees, cutting them into logs, and shipping them overseas.

Reasons for Wood Dispatch:
1. Demand for timber: Britain had a high demand for timber due to its growing industrialization and construction activities. Indian forests were rich in valuable timber species like teak, sal, and deodar, which were highly sought after in Britain.

2. Economic benefits: The British government saw the extraction and export of timber as a profitable venture. It provided a source of revenue and contributed to the overall economic growth of the British Empire.

3. Infrastructure development: The timber extracted from Indian forests was used for various purposes, including shipbuilding, railway construction, and the production of furniture and other wooden goods. It helped in the development of infrastructure in Britain.

Process of Wood Dispatch:
1. Identification and felling of trees: Forest officers were appointed to identify suitable trees for extraction. These trees were marked, and then skilled workers would cut them down using axes and saws.

2. Cutting and shaping: Once the trees were felled, they were cut into logs of suitable sizes. The logs were then shaped to make them easier to transport.

3. Transportation: The logs were transported to nearby rivers or railways using bullock carts or elephants. From there, they were loaded onto ships for transportation to Britain.

Results of Wood Dispatch:
1. Environmental impact: Wood dispatch had a significant negative impact on Indian forests. Large-scale deforestation led to the loss of biodiversity, destruction of habitats, and disruption of the ecosystem. It also resulted in soil erosion and reduced water retention capacity.

2. Socio-economic impact: The extraction of timber often involved forced labor and displacement of local communities. Many tribal people who relied on forests for their livelihoods were deprived of their resources and faced economic hardships.

3. Decline in forest cover: The continuous extraction of timber without proper reforestation practices led to a decline in forest cover in India. This had long-term consequences for the environment and the availability of timber resources.

In conclusion, wood dispatch was a process of extracting and exporting timber from Indian forests to Britain during the British colonial period. It had significant environmental, socio-economic, and ecological consequences, leading to deforestation, displacement of local communities, and the decline of forest cover in India.