In options A, D and E, ‘it’ refers to’ the progressive clearing of jungles’ which is a clause and not a noun. Can it refer to a clause?
“the progressive clearing of jungles” is a gerund noun, not a clause.
“it” cannot refer to clauses.
“the progressive clearing of jungles” is a gerund noun, not a clause.
“it” cannot refer to clauses.