Question

Why were the Delhi Sultans interested in cutting down forests? Does deforestation occur for the same reasons today?

Answer 1

The Delhi Sultans cleared the forests in the Ganga-Yamuna doab and gave these lands to peasants in order to encourage agriculture. They also established new fortresses and towns in these lands to protect trade routes and to promote regional trade.
No, deforestation does not occur for the same reasons today. Nowadays, vegetation cover is being reduced due to over-population, urbanisation and commercialisation.