Identify the important turning point that led to the conversion of the forest policy in Assam.

The advent of the railway in Bengal

The correct answer is Option (1) - The advent of the railway in Bengal.

The advent of the railways in Bengal …marked an important turning point, which saw the conversion of its forest policy in Assam (Assam was then part of the Bengal province) from one of laissez faire into one of active intervention. …The demand for railway sleepers transformed the forests in Assam (this included all the present-day seven sister states) from an unproductive wilderness into a lucrative source of revenue for the colonial administration.