CHAPTER 1: RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Que1 : Define Resources.

Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided, it is technologically
accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable can be termed as "Resource".

Que 2: Explain the Interdependent relationship between Nature, Technology and Institutions.

 There is an interdependent relationship between nature, technology, and

institutions.
 Nature provides raw materials, technology converts these into usable
resources, and institutions (laws, policies, organizations) regulate how
technology is used through policies to ensure sustainable development and
economic growth.
 And this cyclic relationship is driven by human beings.
 Humans connect these three elements; they use technology to control nature and create institutions to regulate that
interaction.

Que 3: How can we convert a source into a resource?

 Sources can be converted into resources when they become useful for human needs.
 This happens through the application of knowledge, technology, and human skills, which make them accessible
and usable.
 When a source is recognized for its utility and can be used economically and effectively, it becomes a resource.

Que 4: Do you think that resources are free gifts of nature as is assumed by many?

Resources are not truly "free gifts" of nature; they are a

function of human activity and intervention. While raw
materials exist, they become valuable resources only when
human efforts transform them using technology and create
institutions.

Human beings themselves are essential components of

resources, as they create, utilize, and manage them. An
indiscriminate use of resources by humans leads to their
depletion and scarcity.

Que 5: How are resources classified?

These resources can be classified in the following ways–

1. On the basis of origin – biotic and abiotic

a. Biotic Resource: All living things are known as Biotic Resources. These resources are obtained from the
Biosphere and they have life, such as – Human Beings, Flora, Fauna, fisheries, etc.
b. Abiotic Resource: All non-living things are known as Abiotic Resources, such as Wind, Water, Air, Rocks,
Metals, etc.

2. On the basis of exhaustibility – renewable and non-renewable

a. Renewable Resource: Resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical
process are known as Renewable or Replenishable Resource. E.g. Solar & Wind energy, Water, etc. Renewable
resources are further classified into continuous or flow & Biological.
 i. Continuous or flow: Many resources are replenishable which means these resources are recycled within the
environment by natural process and their quantities remain constant. E.g. Solar energy, geothermal energy,
wind and water.
ii. Biological: These are renewable resources derived from the biosphere, and require time for reproduction and
regeneration. e.g. wildlife, forests and vegetation, agricultural crops
b. Non-Renewable Resource: Non-renewable resources are finite natural materials that exist in fixed amounts and
cannot be replaced or replenished on a human timescale once used. Fossil Fuels like, coal, petroleum, natural gas
are the best examples of non-renewable resource. Non Renewable resources are further classified into Recyclable
and Non Recyclable
i. Recyclable: can be collected, melted, or processed to be used again and again. Metals like Gold, Silver,
Copper and Iron are recyclable.
ii. Non Recyclable are completely destroyed or exhausted once used. E.g. fossil fuels

3. On the basis of ownership – individual, community, national and international

a. Individual Resource: Resources which are owned by an individual. E.g. plot, car, house, etc.
b. Community Resource: Resources which belongs to a community of people. E.g. parks, community halls, picnic
spots, etc.
c. National Resource: Resources which belongs to a nation. These resources are found within the political
boundaries and territorial waters (i.e ocean water upto 12 nautical miles (22.2 kms) from the coast of a country.
E.g. rivers, forests, minerals, etc. The country has legal powers to acquire private property to facilitate public.
d. International Resource: Resources which are found beyond the territorial boundaries of a country. These
resources are managed by the international institutes. No single country can use these resources without the
permission of the international authorities. E.g. Minerals, fisheries, etc.

4. On the basis of status of development – potential, actual/developed, stock and reserves.

a. Actual or Developed Resource: Resources whose existence has been proved and whose quality, quantity and
location has been determined for utilization with the available technology.
b. Potential Resource: Resources which are found in a region but have not been utilized, might be because of the
lack of technology. They can be used in future. E.g. Solar and Wind are potential resource. Rajasthan and Gujarat
have great potential for the development of these two resources.
c. Reserves: Resources which can be put into use with the help of the existing technology but their use has not been
started. They can be used in future. E.g. more rivers can be used for generating electricity.
d. Stocks: Reserves which have the potential to satisfy the human needs but we don't have the technology to access
it.

5. On the basis of Distribution of Resources: (a) Ubiquitous (b) Localised

a. Ubiquitous Resource: Resources which are found everywhere are called ubiquitous resource. E.g. air, land,
water, etc.
b. Localised Resource: Resources which are found only in certain places are localised resources, like coal, petrol,
iron, etc.

Que 6: (1) Why were resources used indiscriminately? (2) What was the result of indiscriminate use of
resources? OR What are the problems associated with development of resources? (3)How can this problem
be resolved?

It was believed that resources are free gifts of nature. As a result, human beings used them indiscriminately which
led to the following problems:

1. Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few individuals.

 2. Accumulation of resources in few hands, which, in turn, divided the society into two segments i.e. haves and
have nots or rich and poor.
3. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises such as, global warming, ozone layer
depletion, environmental pollution and land degradation.
Therefore, resource planning is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life. Sustainable existence is a
component of sustainable development. So the problems created by indiscriminate use of resources can be resolved
through sustainable development and resource planning.

Que 7: How has technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?

 Firstly, technical/technological development led to more production of resources – through advancement in

extraction or mining of resources, modern farming techniques, etc.
 Increase in resources led to industrialization and mass production of goods.
 This led to the growth of the economy - economic development.
 Economic development has increased the buying power of consumers and has created greater demand for energy,
goods, and infrastructure,
 This is leading to rapid, widespread resource depletion.

Que 8: What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable economic development means ‘development should take place without damaging the environment, and
compromising with the needs of the future generations.’

Que 9: Write a note on Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992 and Agenda 21.

 In June 1992, more than 100 heads of states met in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, for the first International Earth
Summit.
 The Summit was organized to address the urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic
development at the global level.
 The assembled leaders signed the Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity.
 The Rio Convention endorsed the global Forest Principles and adopted Agenda 21 for achieving Sustainable
Development in the 21st century.
Agenda 21
 It is the declaration signed by world leaders in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), which took place at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
 It aims at achieving global sustainable development.
 It is an agenda to combat environmental damage, poverty, disease through global co-operation on common
interests, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
 One major objective of the Agenda 21 is that every local government should draw its own local Agenda 21.

Que 10: What is Resource Planning? What are the main steps involved in resource planning?

Resource planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious use of resources. Resource planning is a complex
process which involves:

i. Identification of resources across the regions of the country. This involves surveying, mapping and qualitative
and quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources.
ii. Creating a planning structure supported with appropriate technology, skill and institutional set up.
iii. Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.

Que 11: Why is Resource Planning vital in a country like India?

 Resource planning is the widely accepted strategy for judicious use of resources.
 In India, resources are unevenly distributed and thus resource planning becomes very essential.
 There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources. Also,
there are regions which have abundance of resources, while there are some which have acute shortage of all.
 The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits but lack
infrastructural development.
 The state of Rajasthan is very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.
 Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development.
 The cold desert of Ladakh is relatively isolated from the rest of the country. It has very rich cultural heritage but it
is deficient in water, infrastructure and some vital minerals.
 These types of discriminations can be reduced or completely eradicated with proper planning of judicious use of
resources.
 Since independence "Five Year Plans" have played a vital role in planning and development of the resources in
India.

Que 12: Can a resource rich region be economically backward and can a resource poor region be
economically developed? Give reasons for such a situation. OR

In India, development, in general, and resource development in particular does not only involve the
availability of resources. Explain.

 Development, in general, and resource development in particular does not only involve the availability of
resources, but also the technology, institutions, quality of human resources and the historical experiences of the
people.
 It is possible that a resource-rich region that lacks appropriate technology and institutions remain economically
backward.
 Similarly, some regions with poor resource bases often become economically developed due to high-quality
human resources, advanced technology, better infrastructure, and favorable institutional setups that allow them to
import or efficiently utilize resources.
 Read - The history of colonisation reveals that rich resources in colonies were the main attractions for the foreign
invaders. It was primarily the higher level of technological development of the colonising countries that helped
them to exploit resources of other regions and establish their supremacy over the colonies. Therefore, resources
can contribute to development only when they are accompanied by appropriate technological development and
institutional changes. India has experienced all this in different phases of colonisation.

Que 13: What do you mean by Conservation of Resources? Why is it important?

 Conservation of resources means the responsible use and management of natural resources so that they are not
wasted, harmed, or exhausted.
 Resources are vital for any developmental activity. But irrational consumption and over-utilisation of resources
may lead to socio-economic and environmental problems.
 To overcome these problems, resource conservation at various levels is important.
 Gandhiji told "There is enough for everybody's need and not for any body's greed." He thought that exploitative
nature of modern technology is the root cause for depletion at global level. He believed in the production by masses
and not in the mass production.

Que 14: Why is Land an important natural resource?

 Land is one of the most important natural resources.

 We live on land, we perform our economic activities on land and we use it in different ways.
 It supports natural vegetation, wild life, human life, economic activities, transport and communication systems.
 However, as the size of land available to us is limited, it is important to use the available land with careful
planning.

 Que 15: What are the various types of landforms/ relief features in India? (i.e mountains, plateau, plains and
islands).
 Mountains: About 30% of land area in India is in the form of mountain. Mountain supports the perennial flow of
rivers (which carry fertile soils, facilitate irrigation and provide drinking water), provide facilities for tourism and
ecological aspects.
 Plateau: About 27% of land in India is in the form of plateau which provides many types of minerals, fossil fuels
and forest.
 Plain: About 43% of land area in India is in the form of plains. Plains provide facilities for agriculture, building
of industries and houses, etc.

 Islands: India has islands in the Bay of Bengal (Andaman and Nicobar) and the Arabian Sea (Lakshadweep),
supporting unique ecosystems and marine resources.

Que 16: What are the various purposes for which Land Resources are used? (Land Utilization)

Land resources are used for the following purposes:

1. Forests

2. Land not available for cultivation

(a) Barren and waste land

(b) Land put to non-agricultural uses, [Link], roads, factories, etc.

3. Other uncultivated land (excluding fallow land)

(a) Permanent pastures and grazing land,

(b) Land under miscellaneous tree crops groves (not included in net sown area),

(c) Culturable waste land (left uncultivated for more than 5 agricultural years).

4. Fallow lands

(a) Current fallow-(left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural year),

(b) Other than current fallow-(left uncultivated for the past 1 to 5 agricultural years).

5. Net sown area– the physical extent of land on which crops are sown harvested is known as net sown area.

Area sown more than once in an agricultural year plus net sown area is known as gross cropped area.
Que 17: What are the two factors that impacts the land use pattern?

The use of land is determined by:

 physical factors such as topography, climate, soil types

 human factors such as population density, technological capability and culture and traditions etc.

Que 18: Note on the land use pattern in India.

 Land in India is used for different purposes, and this is known as land use pattern.
 It includes forests, land not available for cultivation (such as buildings and roads), other uncultivated land (like
barren land and pastures), fallow land, and net sown area.
 The land use pattern varies from region to region depending on physical conditions and human factors.
 In India, a significant portion of land is used for agriculture (net sown area), followed by forests. Other uses
occupy the remaining area. (see Fig 1.4 in book for data)
 Note: Total geographical area of India is 3.28 million sq km. Land use data, however, is available only for 93 per
cent of the total geographical area because most of the north-east states (except Assam) and some areas of Jammu
and Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China have not been surveyed.
1. Net sown area: The highest proportion of land is used for agriculture. The pattern of net sown area varies greatly
from one state to another. It is over 80 per cent of the total area in Punjab and Haryana. But it is less than 10 per
cent in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman Nicobar Islands (due to rugged, hilly terrain, dense
forest cover, limited flat land suitable for large-scale agriculture, high rainfall, poor soil quality and lack of
infrastructure.)
2. Forests: According to National Forest Policy (1952), the forest should be 33% of total geographical area, which is
essential to maintain ecological balance. But the forest area in India is far less than desired measures. This is
because of illegal deforestation and development which cannot be overlooked, such as construction of roads and
building, etc.
3. The land under permanent pasture has also decreased. This will create the problem for grazing of our huge cattle
population.
4. Most of the other than the current fallow lands are either of poor quality or the cost of cultivation of such land is
very high. Hence, these lands are cultivated once or twice in about two to three years.
5. A part of the land is termed as waste land and land put to other non-agricultural uses. Waste land includes rocky,
arid and desert areas and land put to other non-agricultural uses includes settlements, roads, railways, industry etc.

Que 19: Why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
Land under forest in India has not increased significantly since 1960-61, growing by only about 4-5%, due to illegal
deforestation and development
 Agricultural expansion (especially post-Green Revolution),
 rapid urbanization – growth of towns and cities
 industrial development.
 infrastructural projects (like roads/buildings/rail networks, dams)

Que 20: What is land degradation?

Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality and productivity of land due to human activities and natural
causes.

Que 21: What are its reasons/causes of land degradation in India?

 In past few decades the quality of land is degrading fiercely because of human activity. Presently, about 130
million hectare of land is reported under degraded land in India. Out of this, approximately, 28% of land belongs
to forest degraded area, 56% is water eroded land area, and the rest degraded land is because of over deposition of
salinity and alkalinity.
 Some human activities such as deforestation, over grazing, mining and quarrying, over-irrigation, and industrial
waste have contributed significantly to land degradation.
 Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars and traces of over-burdening.
 In states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha deforestation due to mining have caused
severe land degradation.
 In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra overgrazing is one of the main reasons for
land degradation.
 In the states of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, over irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to
water logging leading to increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil.
 The mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for ceramic
industry generate huge quantity of dust in the atmosphere. It retards the process of infiltration of water into the
soil after it settles down on the land.
 In recent years, industrial effluents as waste have become a major source of land and water pollution in many
parts of the country.

Que 22: What are the ways to solve the problem of land degradation? OR what are are ways of land
conservation?
 Afforestation
 Preventing over-grazing
 In arid areas
 Planting of shelter belts of plants,
 control on over grazing,
 stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes
 Proper irrigation
 In industrial and suburban areas
 Proper management of waste lands (Land Reclamation)
 control of mining activities,
 proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment
 Regulated use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

Que 23: What is soil? Why is it important?

 The uppermost or topmost layer of the earth's crust is known as soil. It is the loose material consisting of organic
and inorganic substances.
 Soil is the most important renewable natural resource.
 It is the medium of plant growth and supports different types of living organisms on the earth. Most of the food
items like wheat, rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, etc. are obtained from plants that grow on soil. Soil provides
food, cloth and shelter, etc.
 The soil is a living system. It takes millions of years to form soil upto a few cm in depth.

Que 24: What are the Factors affecting Soil Formation?

1. Relief: Altitude and slope determines the accumulation of soil.

2. Parent Rock/Bed Rock: It determines colour, texture, chemical properties, mineral contents, etc.
3. Climate: Rainfall and temperature influence rate of humus and weathering.
4. Vegetations/Organisms: Microorganisms & vegetation affect the rate of humus formation.
5. Time: It determines thickness of soil profile.
(Humus is a dark coloured stable form of organic matter that remains after most of plant or animals residues have
decomposed).

Que 25: What is Soil Profile?

Soil profile refers to the different layers of the soil. There are four different layers:

1. Top Soil:
• It is the uppermost layer.
• Rich in humus and minerals.
• Consists of Sand, Silt & Clay.

2. Sub Soil:
• It lies below the top soil and supports moisture.
• Consists of weathered rock, Silt & Clay and some
nutrients.

3. Weathered Rock

4. Bed Rock/ Parent Rock:

• Consists of solid layer of unweathered Rock.

Que 26: How is soil classified in India? OR What

are the different types of soil in India?

Soil are classified on the basis of colour, thickness,

texture, age, fertility, chemical and physical properties
into 6 types: Alluvial, Black, Red and yellow, Laterite, Arid and Forest

Que 27: What are the 2 types of Alluvial soil?

According to their age, the alluvial soil can be divided into old alluvium, also called Bangar, and new alluvium,
called Khadar. The bangar soil has higher concentration of kanker (calcium carbonate) nodules than the Khadar.
Khadar has more fine particles and is more fertile than the bangar.

Que 28: What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give its three main features.

Alluvial soil. Features –

 High Fertility & Mineral Content: This soil is exceptionally fertile, rich in potash, lime, and phosphoric acid,
which makes it highly productive for agriculture.

 Texture & Composition: It has a fine, loamy texture, consisting of varied proportions of clay, silt, and sand.

 Water Retention: It holds water well, making it ideal for the intense cultivation of crops like rice, sugarcane, and
jute

Que 28: What is leaching?

Leaching is a process in which heavy rains wash away the fertile part of the soil.
Que 29: Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.

Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Crop- cotton

Que 30; What is soil erosion/ degradation?

 The denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down is described as soil erosion. Or Removal of top
soil is called soil erosion.
• Soil erosion is the degradation of soil by human activities and natural forces.
 Following are the factors responsible for the soil erosion: -
1. Deforestation
2. Overgrazing
3. Construction and mining
4. Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers
5. Pesticides
6. Defective methods of farming: Ploughing in a wrong way i.e. up and down the slope form channels for the
quick flow of water leading to soil erosion.
7. Natural Calamities (Flood, landslides, etc.) or Natural forces like wind, glacier and water

Que 31: How does water and wind cause soil erosion?

 The running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep channels as gullies. The land becomes unfit for
cultivation and is known as bad land. In the Chambal basin such lands are called ravines.
 Sometimes water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. In such cases the top soil is washed away. This
is known as sheet erosion.
 Wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land known as wind erosion.

Que 32; What do you understand by soil conservation? What are its various methods?

 Soil conservation means protection, preservation and proper utilization of the soil.
 Some methods of soil conservation are: -
a. Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along contours can decrease the flow of water down the slopes.
b. Terrace Cultivation: Steps can be cut out on the slopes making terraces. Western and central Himalayas have
well developed terrace farming.
c. Strip Cropping: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are grown between the crops. This breaks
the force of wind.
d. Shelter Belts: Rows of trees are planted to create shelter. Thus, the speed of wind is reduced. These shelter belts
have contributed significantly to the stabilisation of sand dunes and in stabilising the desert in western India.
e. Mulching: Bare ground between plants is covered with a layer of organic matter like straw. It helps to retail soil
moisture.
f. Rock Dam: Rocks are piled to slow the speed of wind.
g. Contour Barriers: Stones, grass, soil are used to make barriers. Trenches are made in front of the barriers to
collect water.
h. Afforestation, Crop Rotation, Control over Deforestation and Overgrazing, etc.

Que 33: What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?

 Contour ploughing, Terrace farming, Strip cropping

 Prevent overgrazing, construction and deforestation

Que 34; Which one of the following types of resource is iron ore? Renewable, Biotic, Flow, Non-renewable

Ans: Non renewable

Que 35; Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab? (a) Intensive cultivation (c)
Over irrigation (b) Deforestation (d) Overgrazing

Ans; Over Irrigation

Que 36: In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised? (a) Punjab (c) Haryana (b) Plains of
Uttar Pradesh (d) Uttarakhand

And: Uttarakhand

Que 37: (i) Natural endowments in the form of land, water, vegetation and minerals. – Natural resources

(iii) Soil with high water retaining capacity – Black soil

(iv) Intensively leached soils of the monsoon climate – Laterite soil

(v) Plantation of trees on a large scale to check soil erosion - Afforestation

(vi) The Great Plains of India are made up of these soils - Alluvial