Here is a well-structured text on "Resources and Development", suitable for Class 10 CBSE Social
Science:
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Resources and Development
Introduction
Resources are all the natural, human, and man-made things that help us satisfy our needs and
improve the quality of life. They are essential for economic development and human survival.
Proper utilization and conservation of resources ensure sustainability for future generations.
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Types of Resources
Resources can be classified on various bases:
1. On the Basis of Origin:
Biotic Resources: Obtained from living things (e.g., plants, animals, humans).
Abiotic Resources: Derived from non-living things (e.g., minerals, water, air).
2. On the Basis of Exhaustibility:
Renewable Resources: Can be replenished naturally (e.g., solar energy, forests, wind).
Non-Renewable Resources: Limited in quantity and cannot be renewed (e.g., fossil fuels,
minerals).
3. On the Basis of Ownership:
Individual Resources: Owned by private individuals (e.g., farmland).
Community Resources: Accessible to all members of a community (e.g., parks, public wells).
National Resources: Owned by the government of a country (e.g., railways, forests).
International Resources: Regulated by international organizations (e.g., oceans beyond EEZ –
Exclusive Economic Zone).
4. On the Basis of Development:
Actual Resources: Resources that are surveyed and in use.
Potential Resources: Resources that exist but are not yet utilized (e.g., wind energy in Rajasthan).
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Resource Planning in India
Resource planning is essential due to the uneven distribution of resources in India. For example:
Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have rich mineral deposits but are economically backward.
Rajasthan has solar and wind energy potential but suffers from water scarcity.
Steps in Resource Planning:
1. Identification and inventory of resources.
2. Planning with appropriate technology and institutions.
3. Matching resource development plans with overall national development goals.
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Land Resources
Land is a natural resource of utmost importance. India has varied landforms: mountains, plains,
plateaus, and islands.
Land Use Pattern in India:
Forests: ~22.5%
Net sown area: ~45%
Fallow land, barren land, and land under non-agricultural use comprise the rest.
Land Degradation and Conservation:
Land is degraded due to deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and improper irrigation. Conservation
methods include:
Afforestation
Contour ploughing
Proper irrigation techniques
Regulated mining
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Soil as a Resource
Soil is the uppermost layer of the Earth where plants grow. It is a renewable resource formed by
weathering of rocks.
Types of Soils in India:
1. Alluvial Soil – Fertile and found in river basins (e.g., Indo-Gangetic plain).
2. Black Soil – Retains moisture; suitable for cotton (found in Deccan plateau).
3. Red and Yellow Soil – Found in low rainfall areas; needs fertilizers.
4. Laterite Soil – Poor in fertility; found in hilly areas.
5. Arid Soil – Sandy and salty; found in Rajasthan.
6. Forest Soil – Found in Himalayan regions; rich in organic matter.
Soil Erosion and Conservation:
Soil erosion is caused by wind and water. Methods of co
Strip cropping
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Conclusion
Resources are vital for development,