There are wide gaps in the demand and production of forest based requirements. Available estimates are variable and also suffer from serious methodological drawbacks. Elements of unsustainability are thus qualitatively well understood but not precisely defined in quantitative terms. There is lack of methodology which could project the multiple utility values of forests in a perceptible way. A competition amongst the alternative values of forests, particularly the subsistence needs and economic returns, exists. Shortsightedness in analyzing the possible impacts of recently introduced management systems is likely to accompany more problems than heir anticipated benefits. The need of undertaking long term analysis is logical to ensure sustainability. The data available suggest that productive superiority of exotics like Eucalyptus spp. over the indigenous ones like Shorea robusra and Tectona grandis is apparent only in a short term perspective. In case of fast growing species, the cost of production in terms of the fundamental resources like minerals, needs to be looked into. It is concluded that sustainable forestry though felt to be desirable, may not be achievable exclusively by ways of emphasizing on higher yields and current method of conservation. Reduction in requirements of forest based resources and direct participation of people in the management must be ensured to achieve sustainability.