pmer

Natural Resources &Sustainable Development 63

9a Chapter 2
ion

NaturalResources &
Sustainable Development
"Infinite growth of material consumption in afinite world is an
impossibility."
-E.F. Schumacher

Overview of Natural Resources - Major Type of Biotic Resources

Water Resources & Types - Soil Resources - Mineral Resources -
Energy Resources&Its Classification - Review Questions
Overview of Natural Resources:
Definition of Resource:
Materials, which are available in the nature under different
environmental conditions, are termed as natural resources. Some
of these materials are easily available but some are not. As an
example, air, water, sun-rays are easily available in the nature but
at the same time resources like coal, petroleum, minerals are
rarely found. All these materials which is provided by the nature
that can be used for betterment of human being, is known as
natural resources. Proper utilization of these natural resources is
possible on the availability of suitable technology. Thus land,
water, minerals and forest man can transform into more valuable
goods and can utilize to promote human welfare, is termed as
natural resource.
As defined by Encyclopaedia Britannica "Natural resource, any
biological, mineral, or aesthetic asset afforded by nature without
 &Sustainable Developn
s6Sntoirgtle Developmen
(i) Abiotie 65
Vipul'sM Environmental Management
64

non-
sand,ivgravel
ingResources:
benefit,

used for some form

of These resources are composed of
human intervention that can be
immaterial." a On
etc. e.g. Air, water, land, minerals, salt,
things
whether material (economic) or resource is
not juusst (B) the Basis
According to Erich W. Zimmerman
'A of
(i)
Universal Frequency Theof Occurrence:
s u b s t a n c e

function that the thing say,

thing or substance but the
performin order to satisfy
resource
human
by its
needs
function
and
in
wants.
Thatis to
to relation
colour,
man.A
everywhereResour
resources in theces: world,resources,
are
which are available
known as universal
a thing becomes of its e-g. Air,
lump of coal is a type of resource
its
neither
scarcity
because
but
because
of its
(i)
Localized
in limited Resources:
Water,, and Sunrays etc.
shape and composition nor for resOurce
The resources, which are available
resources [Link]
him
function for satisfying human wants. According toutility. Human in the world, are known as localized
.
of theCoal,) Petroleum, and Natural Gas etc.
has
means anything in this environment which transform the (C) On the Basis s
beings' knowledge, skill and technology
endowment (nature's gift to mankind) into
help to
natural
resources. () Individual
resources
or OwnershiResource:
Personal p:
refer Individual or personal
Classification of Natural Resources:
nature freely
and which possession like resources which are in one's material
Materials or substances occurring in region are known as This also includesown homne land, agricultural land etc.
development of a
can be exploited for overall
natural resource. There is huge variety of natural
resources andi knowledge, skill, etc. individual's
personal qualities such as
following parameters. Fig. 2.1 (i) National Resources:
can be classified on the basis of the
shows Schematic Classifications of Resources. of all the personal National resOurces are the sum total
particular country resources
and the
owned by the citizens of a
Resource
e.g. forest, rivers, government
s mineral deposits,of etc.
the country
(ii) World Resources:country'
All
Natural
Human
Resouree of the world which material and non-material things
Resource leads to human welfare are
world resources e.g. oceans, known as
Durability and
lon (D) On the Basis of air etc.
Orlgin
Frequency of Ownership Regene
Ability Durability and Regeneration Ability:
occurrence
(i) Renewable Resources or Inexhaustible
Renewable or
Renewable resources are natural Resources:
Biotic/ Organic Unlversal Individual Inexhaustible
resources that can be
recycled or can be
Non-Renewable cycle. These includereplenished
soil,
quickly through natural
forest, air, water, wild life etc.
Abiotc
Inorg
Locallzed National or exhaustible
Renewable resources are also known as flow
Some of the renewable resources can resources.
World
renew, through various bio-geo-chemical automatically
process like
Resources water, air, solar energy etc. These resources are known as
Fig. 2.1 Schematic Classifications of Automatically Renewable Resource.
(A) On the Basis of the Origin: However, for some resources are renewable only
natural resources are obtaine
(i) Biotic Resources: Biotic or through human efforts like, forest, soil etc. These
raw form or throug
from the biosphere either in tesources are known as Renewable with Human Efforts.
Birds, Agricultural crof
cultivation e.g. Forest, Animals,
etc.
 Sustainable Development<|
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Vipul'sM Environmental
67
66
Resource: Natural a) Renewable resources are
(ii) Non-Renewable or Exhaustible
volume and cannot
be infiniteNon-renewable
quantity in the earth surface. resources are
which have finite |limited in quantity in the earth
resources known as
are replenished very slowly are surface.
or A) These are the free gifts
replenished
Non-renewable resource. Once
they have been used, they ofThese are not the free gifts of
Non-renewable resources are
nature.
|nature.
cannot be easily replaced. mineral s) Renewable resources are
known as fund resource. These include coal, also Non-renewable resources are
known as in- exhaustible or known also
also as exhaustible or
oil, natural gas etc. flow resources. fund
resources can be recycled resources.
Some of the non-renewable 6 Renewable resources do not Non-renewable
(aluminium, copper etc.) These resources cause
after usage, e.g. metals Non-renewable- Recyclable
cause any pollution. pollution when used.
resources are known as ( They are replaced by nature in They
Resource. can't be replaced by nature.
resources cannot be
short period of time.
non-renewable
Some of the 18)Example of renewable resources Examples of
These resources
reproduced and neither can be recycled. are wind, sunlight, biomass resources are non-renewable
known as Non-Renewable-Non-Recyclable water etc.
coal, mineral oil,
are
natural gas etc. natural gas etc.
Resources. For example: coal, mineral oil, Major Type of Biotic Resources:
explained in two
Human Resource: Human resources can be Biotic resources are resources obtained from living or
quantity of the population and
ways, first by study of the actualsame once
population. A quantitative living organisms found in the biosphere. They include all
then the qualitative study of the group, sex and animal products such as timber from forests, fish plant
study means the total population, distribution, age population. A
from
aquatic systems, dairy from livestock, and even fossil fuels like
structure, and actual percentage of working
human beings education, coal and petroleum formed from ancient organic remains.
qualitative assessment would include (A) Forest Resource:
values, all of
knowledge, skill, personality, intelligence and ethical Forests are vital renewable natural resources that function as
which can determine the economic development of a country.
development of a complex ecosystems supporting rich biodiversity, including
Population becomes a resource for the economic
region or country only when it has some qualities like
intelligence, diverse species of trees, plants, animals, and microorganisms.
technical skill, good health, education etc. They play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance by
Difference between Renewable and Non-Renewable
Resources: regulating climate, conserving soil, and acting as carbon sinks.
Renewable Resources Non-Renewable Resources Forests provide raw materials such as timber, fuelwood,
are those medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products that support
(1) Renewable resources are thoseNon-renewable resources various industries and household needs. For nearly one-third of
which can be natural resources, which cannot be
resources,
renewed, replenished by nature renewed once they are completely the global population, especially indigenous and rural
in a short span of time. exhausted. communities, forests serve as a direct source of livelihood and
(2) Renewable energy resources are Non-renewable energy resources sustenance. Additionally, they offer crucial ecosystem services
clean forms of energy. Theseare polluting and causes major like watershed protection, air purification, and biodiversity
resources are available damages to the environment. These conservation. Forests are also valued for their cultural, spiritual,
continuously like solar, wind, resource are like coal, mineral oil and recreational significance, serving as spaces for education,
water etc. etc ecotourism, and even religious practices. In some regions,
regulated wildlife hunting and forest settlements contribute to
 Development.
Management &Sustainable
Vipu!'sM Environmental Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
68 69
survival. With growing
food security and
economic
of fores denudation of natural forest area.
slopes ensures timber supplies andAfforestation along the hill
management
the sustainable
concerns, planetary well. also protects
environmental
for long-term human and (b) Reforestation: Reforestation involves soil erosion.
resources is essential development
Resources AssesSmens
forest where they have been destroyed. There is of the
being
According to the FAO
Global Forest
distributed across reforestation on ecologically fragile areas like nationalneedparks,
for
forests are unevenly mountain etc.
2020, the world's accounting for 35.4% of
holds the largest share, (c) Control Over Forest Fire: To save forest
Asia in
continents.
to significant forest cover
primarily due
from fire it is
necessary to adopt latest technique of firefighting. Some of
the global forest area, China, and India. South America followe the fire suppression techniques consist of three-meter-wide
countries like Russia, Brazil
by the Amazon rainforest in fire lanes around the periphery of the fire,
with 20.89%, largely contributed
water spray, fire retardant chemicals should bearrangement
together of
North and Central America
and surrounding countries. forest cover, with extensive forests sprayed from
comprise 18.6% of the world's for back tank possibly with the help of helicopters.
and Mexico. Africa accounts
in Canada, the United States, parts of (d) Protection of Forest from Diseases: Forest should be
the Congo Basin and
15.7%, with major forested areas in the protected from different diseases resulting from parasitic
holds about 5.0% of
Africa. Europe, excluding Russia,
West fungi, rust, viruses and mistletoes. Forest should be protected
which includes Australia and
global forest area, while Oceania, by use of chemical sprays or antibiotics or by development of
the remaining 4.6%. This disease resistant strains of trees.
Pacific Island nations, contributes variations in forest
distribution highlights significant regional (e) Selective Cutting Method: In selective cutting only mature
region-specific forest
resources, emphasizing the need for trees are selected for cutting. This process should follow in
conservation strategies rotation for reducing the rate of deforestation.
Forest Management Method: () Using Substitute for Forest Products: Rubber or good quality
resources
Forests cover vast regions across the globe, yet forest illegal plastic can be substituted for wood product wherever
continue to face serious threats such as deforestation,, possible. The incentives for wood substitution and subsidies
logging, overgrazing, and rapid urban expansion. These activities for using fuel saving devices and alternative source of energy
contribute to biodiversity loss, increased greenhouse gas like biogas, solar energy in India will reduce the deforestation
emissions, and soil degradation. Effective forest management rate.
involves strategies like planned harvesting, reforestation, wildlife (g) Promoting Agro-Forestry and Social Forestry: Agro forestry
habitat protection, active community participation etc. Below are a means growing trees along with crops. Trees are
few key methods for the management of forest resources: supplementary to crop production which gives income. The
(a) Afforestation: Aforestation means development of forest tree species in agro forestry systems are selected as per
where they did not exist in past. It includes different requirement of fuel, fodder and wood for the rural economy.
plantation practices captive plarntation means planting the Agro forestry is successful in North Indian states like
trees to meet the demand of forest based industries. It should Haryana, Punjab and Utar Pradesh. Social forestry means
be aimed at increase productivity of wood per unit area. involving farmers and public in forestry. The trees which are
Intensive plantation refers to raising the plants on all more useful are grown on unused fallow land. In Gujarat and
available land from farm- fields to road, rail sides, and bad West Berngal marginal land is converted in to forest.
forest
lands to every available space. Such plantation will meet the (h) Respecting the Rights of the Local People: Local of
need of timber fuel fodder food fibre medicine that prevents dwellers (mostly tribal) are most vulnerable to the impacts
 Development.
Sustanable 71
V i p u l ' s M E n v i r o n m e n t a l
Management& Natural Flesources &Sustainable Develcpment
dul.
are not the land surface area, supporting pastoral communities and
existernce and needs should be th
destruction.
Their decisions. They diverse wildlife.
forest Joint Foress
Asia hosts vast grassland areas, notably in countries like China
government

represented in the of
conservation.
wit%
participants in
the process
involves the local people and Mongolia. China alone accounts for approximately 12% of the
major practice in India forest conservation
practices.
Management
departments in
world's permanent meadows and pastures.
the state forest In Oceania, particularly Australia, grasslands are predominant,
dominated bu
(B) Grassland Resources:

terrestrial
ecosystems
global
with the country possessing about 10% of the global permanent
Grasslands are
expansive
vegetation, playing
a vital role in meadows and pastures.
productivity,
grasses and
herbaceous
regulation, and
agricultural North America features significant grassland regions, such as
biodiversity, climate except Antarctica, the Great Plains in the United States and Canada. The United
are there across
all continents (Africa), steppes
Grasslands
America), savannas
States contributes around 8% to the global permanent meadows
(North essential
such as prairies pampas (South America) serve as and pastures.
(Central Asia), and
domestic livestock and
wild herbivores South America is home to the Pampas and other grassland
grazing lands for both pastoral and
agro-pastoral ecosystems, which are vital for agriculture and biodiversity.
forming the backbone of many
Europe has grasslands primarily in its eastern regions, such as
economies.
to soil formation and the steppes of Ukraine and Russia.
significantly
Grassland contributes wide range of (C) Wetland Resources:
control, function as carbon sinks, and host a
open, sunlit environments. It
erosion Wetlands are unique ecosystems where land remains covered
to
plant and animal species adapted enhance groundwater recharge,
hydrological cycles, with water, either permanerntly or seasonally, with water levels
also regulates preventing desertification by typically ranging from 2.5 cm to about 300 cm. These areas
and play a critical role in include swamps, bogs, marshes, estuaries, mangroves, rice fields,
maintaining vegetation cover.
recent global assessments,
grasslands fish ponds, and reservoirs, each offering distinct ecological
According to
including natural grasslands, rangelands, and permanent
pastures functions. Their presence at the intersection of land and water
cover approximately 40% of the
Earth's land surface, makes them biologically rich and functionally important.
The structure of wetlands enables them to retain water and
underscoring their vast extent and ecological importance.
However, they are increasingly threatened by overgrazing, absorb pollutants, making them natural filters that purify water
unsustainable agricultural expansion, urbanization, and climate and recharge groundwater. This ability also reduces sediment
change. These pressures lead to land degradation, loss of flow into rivers and helps control floods during heavy rainfall or
biodiversity, and reduced ecosystem services. Therefore, the river overflow. Additionally, by maintaining surface moisture,
sustainable management and restoration of grasslands are wetlands play a role in regulating local climate and reducing the
imperative to securing long-term food security, ecological impact of droughts.
resilience, and environmental sustainability for future Ecologically, wetlands are vital for supporting aquatic
generations. biodiversity. They serve as breeding grounds for fish, amphibians,
Globally, grasslands cover approximately 40% of the Earth's and insects, and are crucial resting sites for migratory birds. Their
land surface. seasonal bird populations often serve as indicators of ecological
In Africa, grasslands are extensive, particularly in sub-Saharan health. Many wetlands also yield economically useful products
regions. For instance, in Kenya, rangelands make up about 85% of such as timber, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, while
 Development
Management &Sustainable Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
Vipul'sM Environmental 73
fishing
72
income for
livestock and nutrients, whereas ground water contains dissolved
for
providing fodder
are to growing demand, pollution, and climate change,minerals: Due
Communities.

to their ecological
importance,
availability is under increasing stress, requiringfreshwater
Some wetlands, due efficient
conservation
under international conservation and equitable distribution.
designated as Ramsar Sites across 15 states,
major wetlands are identified (i) Marine Water: Marine water, also known
as
treaties. In India, 27
as Ramsar Sites and 6
more proposed. for about 97.5% of the Earth's total water and saltwater, accounts
recognized is found
with 19 already
pressure from urban
expansion, agricultural
oceans and seas. Although it is unsuitable for human primarily in
However, increasing these ecosystems. This due to its saline content but it remains vital for consumption
and pollution threatens revenue, ecological balance
generate little direct
encroachment, and global economies. Marine water plays a
wetlands key role in regulating
happens partly because global temperatures, supporting marine biodiversity, and driving
unlike land usedfor construction or farming.
wetlands
requires integrated the hydrological cycle through evaporation and
Therefore, conserving benefits, precipitation.
management that considers
their ecological roles, social Oceans also serve as vast reservoirs for carbon and
nutrients and
sustainability. This involves not
only scientific act as critical zones for fisheries, transportation, and
and long-term recreation.
participation, education, and strong Availability and Use of Water Resources:
planning but also public resources today ensures a Water is essential for life and is used in
policy enforcement. Protecting wetlandresilient communities for different sectors:
many ways across
healthier environment and more
(1) Domestic Use: Water is needed daily for
tomorroW.
drinking, cooking,
Water Resources and Types: bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning.
Water is one of the most essential natural
resources on Earth, (2) Agricultural Use: Farming depends heavily on
supporting life, regulating climate, and enabling
countless irrigation, especially in dry seasons or regions water
with
for
low
fundamental to the rainfall.
ecological and economic processes. Water is
existence of life on Earth. Scientific evidence suggests that life (3) Constructional Use: In urban areas, construction activities
itself originated in aquatic environments. Throughout history, the like building houses, roads, and infrastructure
require large
growth and prosperity of human civilizations have been closely amounts of water.
linked to the availability of water. Major settlements and ancient (4) Industrial Use: Many industries use water
in the production
civilizations thrived along rivers and water bodies, such as the and manufacturing of goods, cooling machinery, and
Nile, Indus etc. The global water supply is finite and unevenly processing materials.
distributed. Water resources carn be broadly categorized into (i) (5) Electricity Generation: Water is used to
freshwater and (i) marine water, each having distinct produce electricity,
especially in hydroelectric power plants where flowing water
characteristics, distribution, and uses. drives turbines.
() Freshwater: Freshwater constitutes only about 2.5%-3% of the (6) Sports and Recreation: Water is used to
maintain sports
Earth's total water, with nearly 68.7% of it locked in glaciers and ice grounds like golf courses and cricket fields, keeping the grass
caps, 30.1% as groundwater, and just 0.3% in surface water bodies. green and healthy.
It is found in various forms, including surface water (rivers, lakes, (7) Other Uses: Water is also used for activities like gardening,
ponds, streans), groundwater (aquifers, wells), which is suitable
for human consumption, and atmospheric moisture (rain, washing vehicles, celebrating festivals (like Holi), and more.
The consumption of surface water differs widely snow).
from ground
water. Surface water contains a lot of organic matter and
mineral
 Developmer
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Management Natural Resources &Sustainable Develogment 75
Environmental
Vipul'sM
resourcee

74 exploitation
of water Water Scarcity and Stress; Conflicts Over Water:
impact of over Although nearly 75% of the Earth's surface is covered by water,
when rate
only a small fraction is available as freshwater suitable for
Environmental

issues a n d challenges:
resources
takes place Th:.
of water drinking, agriculture, and industry. Most of this water is locked in
replenishment.

natural
the rate of oceans, glaciers, or deep underground, making it inaccessible or
Over-exploitation
environmental
exceeds significant
extraction
leads to
an
water
unsustainable
practice
ecological
imbalances.
Following
unusable. As a result, billions of people still struggle with
and
long-term inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.
degradation leads
With increasing population, urbanization, and industrial
challenges:
exploitation issues
and depletion, which
the groundwater
major impact is subsidence. Excessive use
of water hae demands, freshwater is becoming scarcer. Water stress occurs
One
(a)
drying of wells,
land
water table.
This has caused when the demand for water exceeds the available supply or when
in the ground
led to a decline ecosystems, including
disruption of
natural
poor quality limits its use. This scarcity often leads to conflicts, as
severe damage to nations, states, and local communities compete for limited water
flood plains. reduces the
capacity of natural resources. Moreover, it is a growing global issue, particularly in
vegetation cover
(b) The loss of store water and increases
the risk of
floods and
arid and densely populated regions. Disputes tend to arise when
reservoirs to water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or aquifers are shared across
of it is wasted political boundaries. Over 200 such shared water sources exist
droughts. water, and much
(c) Agriculture also
uses a lot of
Excessive irrigation
can cause globally, particularly in water-stressed regions like the Middle
irrigation methods. land productivity. East, South Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe.
due to poor reducing
soil salinity and
degradation,
better results. In South Asia, several river disputes illustrate this tension. Few
can save water and give
Using drip irrigation when they of them are as follows:
amount of water, and
(d) Industries use a large rivers or lakes, it (i) The Indus Water Dispute between India and Pakistan began
wastewater into nearby
release untreated after the Partition in 1947 and was resolved through the Indus
causes serious pollution.
been built on rivers to Waters Treaty in 1960.
irrigation canals have
(e) Dams and
power and ensure a
steady water (i) The Ganga Water Dispute is a long-standing conflict
generate hydroelectric the between India and Bangladesh over the sharing of the Gang
year. However, by alteringto the
supply throughout the these river waters. It began after the Farakka Barrage was built by
structures contribute
natural flow of rivers, India in the 1970s to divert water for use in West Bengal. A
disrupt the ecological
overexploitation of water resources and 30-year Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed in 1996 to
balance of surrounding environments. manage the distribution fairly.
resulted in its excessive and
() The easy availability of water has (iii) The Cauvery Water Dispute is a long-standing conflict
careless use across various aspects of daily life. In Nadu over
activities such as between the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil
households, water is often wasted during demands
the sharing of the Cauvery River's water. As water
brushing, bathing, washing, and cleaning grew over the years especially for irrigation and
drinking
(g) Water is also wasted extensively in urban areas, often seen After decades of legal
purposes - the dispute escalated.
flowing continuously from unattended municipal taps or battles and negotiations, the Cauvery Water Disputes
leaking pipelines. Such neglect not only leads to Tribunal was set up in 1990, and a final
verdict was delivered
overexploitation of water resources but also adds pressure on Court in 2018. To
already scarce water supplies. in 2007, later modified by the Supreme
 Sustainable
Development. Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
Managerment & 77
Vipul'sMEnvironmental

76 Managemen (i) The first group compromises of the

implementation, the Cauvery
Water alluvial soil, black soil
and red soils, which are basically fertile
ensure
was constituted.
and are arable and
Authority (CWMA) involves the sharing
of cultivable.
Krishna-Godavari water
dispute
The Godavari rivers among
the states (ii) The second group consist of the marshy,
iv) Krishna and saline &alkaline
water from the Pradesh, and Telangana soils which are potentially arable.
Karnataka, Andhra
of Maharashtra, as upstream states
developed (iii) The third group is laterite and hill soil which are not
in the 1950s, at all
The conflict began affecting downstream suitable for cultivation.
and hydroelectric projects Krishna Water
irrigation Soil plays an extremely important role since its produce's food
availability. To address the issue, the
water second for all. Soil is a vital natural resource that forms the foundation of
constituted in 1969, and
Disputes Tribunal was reorganization of
tribunal was set up in 2004
following the terrestrial life. It supports agriculture by providing essential
states and rising demands.
nutrients for plant growth, regulates water cycles, and hosts a vast
associated conflicts demands a diversity of organisms that contribute to ecosystem stability.
Addressing water stress and
approach. Sustainable water Beyond its ecological functions, soil plays a critical role in carbon
multifaceted and collaborative
management must prioritize conservation,
upgrade infrastructure, storage and climate regulation. However, unsustainable land use,
regions and communities. deforestation, and industrial activities have led to widespread soil
and ensure fair distribution across
robust national and degradation, making its conservation essential for food security
Equally important is the need for
international cooperation, especially in managing transboundary and environmental sustainability.
frameworks Soil Erosion & Degradation:
water resources. By adopting inclusive governancedisputes and
and long-term planning, it is possible to mitigate Soil erosion refers to the displacement and removal of the
secure equitable and reliable access to water for current and upper layer of soil by natural forces such as water, wind, ice, and
future generations. gravity, or through biological processes like bioerosion. While
Soil Resources: erosion is a natural and ongoing process, human activities have
Soil Resource: The word soil is derived from a Latin Word significantly accelerated its rate in many regions.
"Solum' meaning earthy materials in which plants grow. Soil Key contributors to accelerated soil erosion include
forms the uppermost layer of the earth's crust and is made up of deforestation, overgrazing, uncontrolled construction, and poorly
inorganic and organic matter. The inorganic components are planned road or trail building. These practices strip the land of
weathered rock, air water and minerals. The organic components vegetation cover, leaving the soil vulnerable to being washed or
are the decomposing fragments of plants and animals. Soil takes blown away.
thousands of years to develop from parent rock. As soil is formed The severity of erosion varies depending on several factors:
it develops layers of horizons which make up the soil profile. Rainfall intensity and amount
There are generally three horizons in soil (i) Top Soil (ii) Sub-soil Soil texture and structure
(iiü) Bedrock or parent rock. Soil texture depends on the size of the
Slope gradient
original rock particles in the soil. Sandy soil, clay soil, loam soil Ground cover, including vegetation and surface materials
are different texture of soil.
Soil plays an extremely important role since its produce's food To manage and reduce soil erosion, sustainable land use
for all. Soil types in India can be classified into three groups practices are essential. Techniques such as terrace farming,
afforestation, and maintaining ground vegetation cover help
stabilize the soil and minimize loss. Controlling erosion is critical
 Development-1
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Management& Natural Resources &Sustainabie Development 79
Environmental
Viput'sM
productivity but also for are then ransformed into industrial or consumer goods, before
78
agricultural which can
soil fertility and and water bodies, ultimately generating waste that may re-enter the environment.
not only for sedimentation in rivers Minerals are essential raw materials for various sectors such as
preventing water quality.
and reduced construction, manufacturing, transportation, and energy. Their
lead to flooding human-induced

availability and accessibility significantly influence a nation's

natural or
Degradation:
refers to a function
productively.
industrial development, economic growth, and geopolitical
Land
degradation
capacity to
the land's
reduces
significantly
It strength.
process that ecological balance.
agriculture and vegetation cover,
leading
Countries rich in mineral resources often hold a strategic
especially for retention, and
water advantage in global trade and industrial competitiveness.
affects soil fertility,
consequences.
economic
environmental and land
long-term contributors to However, the exploitation of minerals must be balanced with
to activities are
major
Several human sustainable practices, as overextraction can lead to environmental
degradation. excessive use of degradation, habitat destruction, and resource depletion.
Cultivation including the
Unplanned
cropping, exhausts soil
nutrients. Therefore, efficient utilization, recycling, and environmentally
and over sound extraction technologies are crucial to preserving mineral
agrochemicals
ground
soil vulnerable
cover, making
Overgrazing weakens wealth for future generations and ensuring that these finite
to erosion.
vegetation but also cause resources continue to support long-term development goals.
Mining Activities not only destroy Important Minerals:
landslides.
soil erosion and There are over 3,000 identified minerals on Earth, each with
where once-fertileland turns barren, and
Desertification,
irrigation or dam construction, unique properties and compositions. However, only around 100
waterlogging due to excessive minerals are commonly found and widely used in everyday life
problem.
also contribute to the and industrial applications. These minerals serve as essential raw
land unproductive.
Salinity and Alkalinity render fertile materials in sectors such as construction, energy, electronics, and
land use patterns,
Urban Expansion or urbanisation alters manufacturing. Their availability, extraction, and responsible use
from waste
Soil Erosion, Floods, and land pollution combined factors
play a crucial role in a nation's economic development. Following
dumping further impair soil health. These are some of the important minerals:
management
highlight the urgent need for sustainable land Aluminium: Extracted from bauxite, used in packaging,
practices to prevent further degradation and ensure long
transportation, and construction. Major producers: Guinea,
term productivity. Australia, India, Brazil, and Jamaica.
Mineral Resources: Asbestos: A group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances formed used for insulation, roofing, and fireproofing due to its heat
over millions of years through geological processes in the Earth's resistance. Major producers include Russia, China, Brazil,
crust. Each mineral possesses a definite chemical composition and and Kazakhstan.
distinct physical properties that make it identifiable and valuable. Coal: A key energy resource with four types anthracite,
These resources are extracted from the Earth through mining and bituminous, lignite, and peat. Major reserves in China, USA,
quarrying, often involving considerable technological input and and India.
economic investment. Once extracted, minerals undergo a series
of processes - starting with the removal of raw ore, followed by Cobalt: Essential for batteries, jet engines, and magnets.
processing, purification, and conversion into usable forms. These Major producers: Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia,
and Russia.
 Development -
Environmental Management
&Sustainable Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
Vipul'sM
81
plumbing, and
in electrical wiring, Indonesia, the forests of central India has led to extensive
Copper:
Used
producers: Chile,
USA, and the displacement of wildlife. tree felling and
construction. Leading
jewellery, electronics,
and finance. Largest > Dust and emissions from mining
Gold: Valuable in USA, Australia,
and China. sites
affecting plant health and causing respiratorypollute the air,
Africa,
reserves in South agriculture. Major issues among
Gypsum: Used in
plaster, cement, and local populations.
China.
sources: USA, Iran, and countries: Additionally, the disposal of tailings (mining waste) often
production. Leading contaminates nearby water bodies, posing
mainly in steel
> Iron Ore: Used China, and India life and human health. Hydrometallurgicalthreats to aquatic
Australia, Brazil,
radiation shielding, and glass.
Top
require large volumes of water, which, when processes also
Lead: Used in batteries,
untreated, pollute rivers and groundwater. discharged
USA, and Peru.
producers: China, Australia,
glass industries. Found Socially, mining can displace communities, disrupt traditional
> Limestone:Used in cement, steel, and
and India. livelihoods, and lead to long-term health problems due to
globally, majorly in USA, China, Leading reserves in exposure to toxic substances.
production.
> Manganese: Critical for steel > Unregulated and unplanned mineral extraction undermines
South Africa and Ukraine.
cosmetics. India is the sustainability and jeopardizes the resource base for future
Mica: Used in insulation, paints, and
largest producer. generations. Hence, responsible mining practices and
industries. environmental safeguards are critical to minimizing these
Nickel: Used in stainless steel and aerospace Indonesia. adverse impacts.
and
Major sources: Russia, Canada, Australia,
Quartz (Silica): Used in glass, electronics, and watches.
Major Energy Resources and Its Classification:
producers include USA, Brazil, and China. The term 'energy' is the capacity to do work, has been coined
Silver: Used in electronics, jewellery, and solar panels. Major by Thomas Young. Energy is an essential input for the economic
producers: Mexico, Peru, China, and USA. development and improvement of quality of life. Developmental
Titanium: Used in aerospace and as white pigment (TiO2). activity of any country is directly or indirectly indicated by the
Main deposits in Australia, India, and South Africa. consumption level of energy. There lies a huge gap in the per
> Zinc: Used for galvanizing, alloys, and paints. Top producers: capita consumption of energy amongst the developed and
China, Australia, Peru, and USA.
developing countries. India being a developing economy has low
per-capita consumption of energy and within the country there
Environmental problems due to extraction of minerals: lies substantial difference between urban India and rural India.
The extraction and use of mineral resources, while essential for
The energy utilization of people living in villages mainly depends
economic growth, often result in significant environmental on wood, agricultural waste and animal dung etc. In urban India
degradation. Some of the adverse environmental impacts of
mining, processing operations and use of minerals are as follows: consumption of energy mainly depends on coal, mineral oil,
> Mining operations natural gas and hydroelectric power etc. Broadly energy sources
particularly during exploration, can be classified in two ways: i) Conventional or Non-Renewable
development, and post-extraction phases disrupt Resources i) Non-Conventional or Renewable Energy Sources
ecosystems and contribute to land, air, and water pollution.
The use of heavy machinery and blasting techniques leads to ) Non-Renewable Energy Sources or Conventional Energy
deforestation, habitat loss, and soil erosion, Sources: Energy, that has been used from ancient times is
especially in
ecologically sensitive areas. For example, open-pit known as conventional energy. Coal, natural gas, oil, and
mining in firewood are examples of conventional energy sources.
 Developmery
Sustainable
Management & Natural Resources &Sustainable Development 83
Vipul'sMErvironmental

industrial
happens in (i1) Bituminous: A hard black compact coal. Carbon content
of energy sectors. A
Maximum
consumption

transportation
and
household
coal, ojl varies from 40%-80%. Mainly used in domestic or
wood,
sectors
followed by
energy
sources like
of coal mining
household purpose, iron and steel industry etc.
effects. While (ii) Lignite: A brown and comparatively soft coal. Moisture
conventional

forms of coal
environmental burning of
have
negative
land and
ecology,
of content is approximately 35%. It breaks easily. It
destruction of acid rain. Burning produces less heat and more smoke.
causes
greenhouse
gases, and which is the
maior
produces carbon-di-oxide,
natural gas. (iv) Peat: This is the first stage of coal formation. Moisture
produces
petroleum also In case of content is very high. It produces lots of smoke and
greenhouse
gases. distribution and
source of processing, storage, negligible heat.
production, industry, and
exploration,
integral part of the gas Most of the coal fields are in the world's temperate zone.
transportation are an
environmental

certain degree of World's 3/4th coal reserves are located in the former USSR,
operation can lead to a
every
Energy
USA and Australia. China is the leading producer of coal
degradation.
Sources or
Non-Conventional
followed by USA, Australia, India and CIS countries.
are
(i) Renewable Energy
globally accepted that fossil fuels
ultimate
Germany, UK, Poland France Belgium are the leading
Sources: It is limited. Therefore,
producer of coal in Europe. According to World Energy
exhaustible and
supplies are
energy crisis will be
the alternate Report (2015) China produced maximum coal (3747 Million
solution of the world renewable energy
energy sources. The tonnes) followed by China (813 million tonnes) and Australia
sources or renewable they can be (485 million tonnes). The coal reserves are found in India in
regenerated in natural process so that
sources are energy sources are non the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra
renewable
used indefinitely. The practically inexhaustible in Pradesh, West-Bengal etc.
conventional, non-polluting,
and derived from a
sources of the world are (B) Petroleum: Petroleum is the life line of the global economy. It
nature. These energy gravitational forces of the
number of forces like sun rays,
is convenient fuel for automobile engines, industrial boilers,
heat within the earth, furnaces and house hold purposes. There are around 40,000
earth, rotation of the earth,
sun etc. Some of the oil reserves fields discovered in the world but out of that only
gravitational forces of moon and
important non-conventional sources
of energy are solar 10% have significant impact on the world's oil production.
biogas etc. World's largest oil fields are located in the Arabian-Iranian
energy, wind energy, geothermal energy,
Conventional Energy Sources: basins in the Persian Gulf region. Saudi Arabia alone
(A) Coal: Coal is one of the major conventional energy sources.
It possesses around 25% of the total global reserves followed by
was the prime source of energy till the discovery of
Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran. Some of the important oil fields in
petroleum. Coal constitutes carbon (60% to 90%), hydrogen India are Digboi (Assam), Gujarat Plains and Bombay High,
(1% to 12%), oxygen (2% to 20%) nitrogen (1% to 3%) and also Deltaic coast of Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, etc. Fig. 2.2 shows
small amount of phosphorous and sulphur. There are four year wise crude oil and natural gas production in India.
grades of coal deposit in the world:
() Anthracite: Carbon content is very high approximately
95%. It burns for along time and produce lots of heat.
 Sustainable
Management &
Devekopment-1 Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
Vipul'sM Environmental
5 |Sponge Iron/ Steel 8 8 9
5 Total Demand
446 473 494
Source: Annual Report, Ministry of Petroleum 523
In India, Assam, and Natural Gas, Govt. of India
36 -10
Gujarat,
Tamil Nadu are some of the states Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan,
20 -15 where
are present. Some new gas fields have natural gas reserves
10 been found in Tripura,
20
Jaisalmer, Off Shore of Mumbai and Krishna
2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
2016-17 2017-18
Natural Gas Productlon (BCM) The following Fig:2.3. shows Major Oil Godavari Delta.
Crude Oll Production (MMT)
Production
SGrowth in Crude Oil Prod - %Growth in
Natural Gas Productlon
TAIKISTAN Refineries in India.
Natural Gas Production India INDIA
Fig. 2.2 Year Wise Crude Oil and REFINERIES MAP
Statistics, Govt. of India JAMMU LADAKH
Source: Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas &
http:/[Link]/sites/default/files/ipngstat_0,pdf ASHMIR
attention of the world HIMACHAD
() Natural Gas: Natural gas caught the PRADESIH
be found in the PUNIAR
only recently. It is a gaseous fossil fuel. It can
CHINA
PAKISTAN Bathda ah (TIBET)
UTTARAKHAN/
oil fields with crude oil or separately in natural gas reserves. HARVANA
Natural gas is formed by the decomposition of dead organic TA DELHI
NEPAL
recovered by
matter, buried in the interiors of the earth and is RAIASTHIAN
OMahurn BHUTAN

processes of compression and cooling. Natural gas Bamer oRADESH sAR 9 ASSAM NAGALAD
contributes 23% of global commercial energy use. World's Baraun MEGHALAYA
CBANGLADESH MANIPUR
largest gas fields occur in former USSR, followed by Middle GUIARAT HAROUND TRIPUA MaORAM
East countries. According to World Energy Report (2019) Jamnaga
MADHYA
PRADESH

USA is the leading producer of Natural gas (914.6 Billion OKoyal

MYANMAR

cubic meters) followed by Russia (638.5 Billion cubic meters), MAHARASHTRA

ODISHA (BURMA)

Iran (250.8 Billion cubic meters) China (194 billion cubic DADRA &NAGAR
NAVELANOMubal

meters) and Qatar (171.3 Billion cubic meters). The following TELANGANA
Table 2.1 shows Year Wise and Sector wise Demand of Tatpala
Natural Gas in India. GOA
ANDHRA
PRADESH
Table 2.1
Year Wise and Sector Wise Demand of Natural Gas in India Mangaa
KARNATAKA

(MMSMCD) Ahe TAMIL NADLDUHEY

hy
Sector 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
Power 189 207 225 243
Fertilizer 113 113 113 113 SRI
LEGEND LANKA
City Gas 39 46 47 50 Rehneries
k Refoees Ueder Canstructian INDtAN
Industrial 25 27 28 32
Petrochemicals / Refineries / 72 72 72 76 Fig 2.3. Major Oil Refineries in India
Internal Consumption Source: htps:/[Link]/maps/oilandgasmaps/[Link]
 Developmens
Management &Sustainable
Vipul'M Environmental Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
produced by involving the nuclei ot 87

uclear Energy: Energy The first coommercial

(iii) Low operating cost.
toms is known as nuclear energy. operation in the 1950s.
Ther Disadvantages of Nuclear Power:
stations started (i) High installation cost.
huclear power power reactors
operable
440 commercial nuclear Abo (ii) High risk (Nuclear accidents).
are over 390,000 MWe of total capacity.
over (iii) Problems in the disposal of
31 countries, with under construction.
There are tw
radioactive waste generated
reactors are
60 more
nuclear energy. () Fission: It
happens during nuclear energy production.
methods of producing happens All forms of conventional energy
splitting of nucleus and (I1) Fusion: It sources like wood, coal, oil,
through
(Fig. 2.4) have negative environmental effects. While mining of coal causes
through joining of two nuclei destruction of land and ecology, burning of coal
greenhouse gases, and acid rain. Burning of petroleum produces
Containment Structure Steam line produces carbon-di-oxide, which is the major source also
Stream of
Generator greenhouse gases. In case of natural gas, exploration, production,
Control Rods processing, storage, distribution and transportation are an integral
Renctor
Vessel
part of the gas industry, and every operation can lead to a certain
Pump
Electricity degree of environmental degradation. The energy crisis and
Generator
associated environmental problems have forced us to think about
alternate sources of energy.
Non-Conventional Energy Sources:
Purnp It is globally accepted that fossil fuels are exhaustible and
nuclear fission depends on what is believed to be fairly limited
supply of suitable elements. Therefore, ultimate solution of the
world energy crisis will be the alternate sources which are non
Fig. 2.4: Nuclear Power Generation
France gets around three-quarters of its power from conventional, non-poluting, and practically inexhaustible in
nuclear energy, while Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, nature. These energy sources of the world are derived from a
number of forces like sun rays, gravitational forces of the earth,
Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia and
Ukraine get one-third or more. South Korea and Bulgaria rotation of the earth, heat within the earth, gravitational forces of
moon and sun etc.
normally get more than 30% of their power from nuclear
energy, while in the USA, UK, Spain, Romania and Russia Some of the important non-conventional sources of energy are
as followS:
almost one-fifth is from nuclear. In India some of the
important nuclear power reactors and power plants are (A) Solar Energy: The earth's most important universal and
Tarapur (Thane, Maharashtra), Kakrapar (Near Surat, Gujrat), potent energy source is sun. Solar energy has been reaching
Kaiga (Karnataka) Narora (Uttar Pradesh), Kalpakkam (Tamil to the Earth in the form of solar radiation. This energy then
Nadu), Rawatbhata (Rajasthan). gets transformed in to other forms of energy. Electricity from
Advantages of Nuclear Power: solar energy can be obtained in two ways:
() Less emission of greenhouse gases.
(ii) With small quantity of raw material, can produced lots ol
energy.
 Vipul'sM Environmental 0:
Management &Sustainable
Developmen
Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
89
Advantages:
(i) Solar energy is free and requires
SUN
(ii) no fuel.
Glass cover
Doesn't produce waste.
(iii)
No emission of GHGs or
(iv) other pollutants.
Convenient for low power usage such as solar energy
solar driven garden lights and battery charges.
energy (v) It is cost effective in long
run.
To water tank Disadvantages:
(i) During night solar energy,
harnessing is not possible.
(ii) A large surface area is required to collect the energy
at
practical rate.
shiny suface Black surfacg (iii) Initial set up cost is comparatively high.
From Water tank
(iv) Solar cells are expensive.
(v) Amount of sunlight-reaching earth's surface varies
location, with
time of a day, time of year and other weather
conditions.
(B) Wind Energy: People have been using wind power
Fig. 2.5 Solar Water Heating System thousands of years. They have been utilizing wind to sail for
technology converts the
(i) Photovoltaic or Solar cells: This application of
ships, to grind grains, water pumping etc. it is the kinetic
solar energy into electrical power. The street solar
energy associated with atmospheric movement. The patterns
solar cells includes- calculators, wristwatches, of wind flow depend on physical features of the Earth, water
driven water pumps bodies and vegetation. Natural winds cause the turbines to
lamps, solar lanterns, solar power
solar geyser, domestic electricity supply etc. rotate which produce mechanical energy. Then that
(ii) Solar Thermal/Electric power plant: In this system, mechanical energy is turned into
electrical energy. Modern
solar radiation. It wind turbines are of two types: The vertical axis design
energy is recovered from the heat of the
can be used both for the power generation and for (VAWTs) and Horizontal Axis (HAWTs). Total cumulative
heating and cooling applications. This technique is installed capacity from wind power amounted to 837
mainly applied in solar power-driven satellites orbiting Gigawatts, in 2021. China is the leading installed wind power
the Earth, navigating facilities, satellite TV, weather capacity in the world, followed by USA, Germany, India and
forecasting etc. Fig. 2.5 show solar water heating system. Spain. Fig 2.6 shows Global Cumulative nstalled Wind
Solar power is developing rapidly in India. As of 31 Power Capacity 2001 to 2021.
May 2016, the cumulative installed grid connected solar
power capacity was 7,568 MW and the proposed target is
i00,000 MW by 2022. Some of the potential states in I n d i a h
for generating solar power are Gujarat, Rajastha
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
 Sustainable Development
Management &
Vipul's
Environmental Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
91

8000
000
7000
6000

5000

4000

3000
2000

1000

208

(GW)
Installed Wind Power Capacity
Fig. 2.6 GIlobal Cumulative 2001 to 2021
Source: https:/[Link]/statistics/268363/installed-wind-power-capacity
Fig. 2.7 Number of Wind Energy Installation, in States, India (as
worldwide/ of March, 31.03.2020)
is not as Source: http:/[Link]/wind-energy-in-indiafwind-power-installation/
The Indian potential for harnessing wind energy imagine. (C) Tidal Energy: History says the people have used tidal energy
lead us to
great as the size of the country would since 11h century. It's a type of oceanic energy. Tides are
well as
However, India is having a large coastal area as created due to gravitational pull of moon and sun on
inland areas where wind energy can be fully exploited. Fig.
installations in seawater. High tide and low tide refers to the rise and fall of
2.7 shows growing number of wind energy water in the oceans. The difference of certain meters between
states across India.
high tide and low tide is required to spin the turbine. Tidal
Advantages: energy can be generated by constructing barrage. During the
(i) Wind as a source of energy is clean. high tide sea water enters into the reservoir of the barrage
(ii) It does not produce waste. and turns the turbine and produces electricity. Whereas
(ii) Wind farms can attract tourist. during low tide when the sea level is low then the sea water
(iv) Suitable method to supply energy in rural areas. stored in a barrage reservoir flows out into the sea and again
Disadvantages: turn turbines and produce energy. Fig. 2.8 shows harnessing
(i) Wind is unpredictable, as some days in a year may not be of Tidal Energy.
windy.
(ii) It regquires huge open space.
(ii) Winds must have a speed above 12 to 14 miles per hour
to turn turbines to generate electricity effectively.
(iv) It creates lots of noise.
(v) It can affect television reception.
 Development..
Managemènt &Sustainable Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
Vipul'sM
Environmental 93

(iii) Tidal power station can generate power for few

aday, only when the tide is flowing. hours of
Tide going out (D) Hydroelectric Energy: Hydroelectric energy or
is the most important conventional energy water energy
resources. It is
obtained from water falling from height. Hydroelectric
is produced, when the water of river is collected in apower
huge
reservoir by putting a dam across the flowing stream. The
dams are constructed at such a strategic point from where,
water can fall very sharply (Fig,2.9 ). This situation helps to
Estuary move turbine, as a results it generates hydroelectric power.
Turbine and Generator
China, Canada, Brazil, USA, Russia, Norway are the
leading countries in the production of hydropower. India
ranks third
after China, USA and Russia in the world in terms
of number of dams. Nearly 4720 large dams have been
Tide Coming in completed in the country. In India some of the important
hydropower station which generate electricity are Nathpa
Jhakri hydro station in Himachal Pradesh, Tehri dam on
Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand, Hirakund dam on Mahanadi
river in Odisha, Nagarjuna Sagar dam on Krishna river in
Andhra Pradesh etc.
Water
Flow
Estuary
Dam
Turbine and Generator

Fig. 2.8 Harnessing of Tidal Energy Power Plant

Korea, and
There are few sites in France, Canada, South Generator
its vast
U.K. where tidal energy is being harnessed. India with Electricity
coastline, bay estuaries, has enough potential to harness tidal
Water
energy. In India mainly Gulf of Cambay, Kutch, Gangetic Reservoir Flow Head
delta of Sundarbans harness tidal energy.
Advantages: Turbine
(i) Maintenance cost is cheap.
(ii) Off shore turbines have minimal side effect.
(iii) No production of waste and other pollutants.
Disadvantages:
(i) Initial setup (construction of barrage) cost is high. Fig. 2.9 Hydroelectric Power Generation
(ii) Few suitable sites are available for tidal barrage.
 Developmert.
Environmental Management
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Vipul'sM 95

Hydroelectric Energy:
availability of animal and agricultural waste. Biogas is
Advantages of non-polluting energy. mixture of methane and hydrogen, which is the result of
Hydropower is aclean gases as Compared bacterial decomposition. Biogas is produced by anaerobic
6) greenhouse
(i) It emits very low level of degradation (breakdown of organic matter by bacteria) of
to fossil fuel. animal waste in the presence of water. In India mainly two
cost.
a low operating
(ii) Hydropower has
generated on
demand.
types biogas plants are available (i) Floating gas holder and
(iv) Power can be (ii) Fixed gas holder. Figure 2.10 and fig. 2.11 shows Fixed
Power:
Disadvantages of Hydroelectric having negative and Floating Biogas Holder
of hydroelectric power is The states like Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
) Generation
Construction of dams
are require
impact onecosystem.
forest and some West Bengal are the leading producer of biogas.
area as a result, we may lose Advantages:
huge
species of plants
and animals. flow of (i) Non-polluting and low cost fuel.
Construction of dam can
causes the changes of
(ii) (ii) There is no storage problem (Direct supply of gas from
river channel to dry.
river or can cause a cause the plant).
(ii) Construction of dam for generating electricity can (ii) The sludge left over is rich fertilizer.
people or villagers.
the displacement of local matter produced by (iv) Industry like sugar, paper and pulp, poultry generate a
Energy: Biomass is the organic
(E) Biomass
wood, grass clippings, lot of waste and can meet their power demand by their
plants and animals, which includes sewage etc. Energy own waste.
cattle dung, agricultural waste, biomass Disadvantages:
agricultural and urban waste
plantation, petro-crops, (i) It emits greenhouse gases.
energy. Biomass can be easily
are some types of biomass energy like methane Fixed-Dome Type Bio-gas Plant
transformed into other forms of usable
or fuel like ethanol, biodiesel etc.
The current availability of biomass in
India is estimated at
500 million metric tons per year. It is
estimated that
Slurry o

FH Outlet fr Blo-gs

V C u h e Slab Cover
about Mixing Slab Cever

million metric Tank

surplus biomass availability at about 120-150

forestry residues
tons per annum covering agricultural and apart,
Ovtow Tank

correspond to a potential of about 18,000 MW. This

Bin Gas

about 7000 MW additional power could be generated through Spest Surry

cogeneration in the country's 550 Sugar mills. lalet Chamber

Advantages: Duag and

(i)) Utilization of waste material is good for environment. Waler Misture Outiet Chamber

(ii) The source of fuel is cheap.

Disadvantages: digesier

() Emission of greenhouse gases.

(ii) Collecting sufficient quantity of source is difficult. Fig. 2.10 Fixed-Done Type Biogas Plant
(F) Biogas: Biogas is a non-polluting, clean and low cost fuel
which is very useful for rural areas in India, due t
96

Miting
Tank
Slerry ef
Cattle dung
nd Water

Grend
Levd
HHH

Inlet Pipe
Vipul'sM

Flesting

H FJh
Gas-Holder

nlet
HHA AEF
Environmental
Management &

WGes Vahe

Blo-Gas Collects Here

Sustainable Developmeni

Dutle for Hlo-gs

Ostlet Plpe
Ovelow Tank

Spent Slurry
Natural Resources &Sustainable Develogment

(H)
Disadvantages:
(i) Difficult to find
(ii) Toxic gases andprospective sites.
minerals may
ground along with steam.
Biofuel: A biofuel is fuel that
contemporary biological process. Crops
used in vehicle. Biodiesel
vegetable oils and animal fats.
are plant species like
come out from under
is produced
like
sugarcane are used for production of ethanol. corn,
through
cassava,
Ethanol can be
produced from used or unused
The main source of biodiesel
Jatrophacurcas,
97

Dung and India West-Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Pongamiapinnata etc. In

Jatropha for biodiesel production. Madhya Pradesh cultivate
Water Miture
Partition Wall

U'ndergrund
Suppert for Plpe
Advantages:
digester Tank (i) Carbon neutral as compared to
other fossil fuel.
(i) No sulphur content, less amount of
particulate matter.
Fleating- Drum type Blogas
Plant

Plant Disadvantages:
Fig. 2.11 Floating-Drum Type Biogas (i) Large area required to grow crops for
energy is harnessed from biofuels.
(G) Geothermal Energy: Geothermal surface. This energy was Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals
the hot rock present inside the earth
some places
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (SDGs):
prevalent since the existence of the earth. In are a collection of 17 goals that were or Global Goals,
naturally hot water comes out from the underground as a established by the United
we can Nations in the year 2015 with the agenda of
form of natural geysers. On the other side artificially water development. These goals are emphasizing interconnected sustainable
drill a hole up to the hot rocks and by putting pipes hotturbine challenges of poverty removal, environmental sustainability, global
the
can be made to gush out, which will help to turn social equity, and economic growth, under the principle of
of a generator and can produce electricity. "leaving no one behind. It is designed to replace Millennium
Geothermal power plants worked in nearly 24 countries; Development Goals (MDGs). The sustainable development goals
some of the countries are U.S.A., Italy, New Zealand, Iceland, applied universally to all developed, developing, and
Philippines, Mexico, etc. In India the potential geothermal underdeveloped countries to promote peace, prosperity, and the
provinces can produce 10,600 MW of power. The prospective health of the planet. The 17 goals are further divided into 169
sites in India are ) Puga Valley J&K) (i) Tatapani targets and measured by 232 unique indicators that analyse the
(Chhattisgarh) (ii) Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh) (iv) progress of each goal. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are
Bakreshwar (West Bengal) (v) Tuwa (Gujarat) (vi) Unai as follows:
(Maharashtra) (vi) Jalgaon(Maharashtra). Sustainable Goal 1- No Poverty: It means the end of poverty
Advantages: in all its forms everywhere. The indicator of this goal is the
(i) Impact on environment is negligible. proportion of the population below the poverty line. It
(ii) Extensive global distribution; it is accessible to both includes solving the problems of lack of food, clean drinking
developed and developing countries. water, and sanitation, as well as finding solutions for new
 Developmens
Management &Sustainable Natural Resources &Sustainable Development
Environmental
Vipul'sM
Itrnot 99
change and conflict. only population with access to electricity, the use of renewable
resulting from
climate
policies that preve
threats aspects but also
social energy share, and energy efficiency. It focuses on improving
economic
includes
indicates t% energy efficiency, international cooperation, investment in
poverty.
Zero Hunger:
This goal clean energy infrastructure, and equal rights
Goal 2- and improved distribution. to energy
Sustainable
food security oo This
hunger, achievingsustainable agriculture.
Sustainable Goal 8- Decent work and economic
end of promoting measurement growth: It
nutrition, and for the promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable grow
and fourteen indicators th, full
has eight targets
important targets of
this goal are endino and productive employment, and decent work for all. The
that
of progress. The
improving access to
food. It also states indicators are real GDP per capita, rates of youth
malnutrition and investmen
sustainable agricultural
practices with optimum economi unemployment and occupational injuries, or the number of
technology. Its women in the workforce as compared to men.
supported by research and agricultural
are trade policy, the world Sustainable Goal 9 - Industry, innovation, technology, and
dimension includes
market, and food
commodity market
derivatives.
infrastructure: It indicates building resilient infrastructure,
Sustainable Goal 3 - Good heal th
and well-being: This goal promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and
well-being of all people. The
life fostering innovation. This goal consists of indicators such as
ensures the healthy life and
mortality, death from road the proportion of people employed in manufacturing
expectancy, child and maternal
suicide mortality rate are activities who are living in areas covered by a mobile network
accidents, tobacco use, and or having access to the internet and carbon dioxide emissions
indicators of this goal.
education: This goal includes per unit of value.
> Sustainable Goal4 - Quality education. It also promotes > Sustainable Goal 10- Reduced inequality: It means
inclusive and equal quality
lifelong learning opportunities. reducing inequality within and among countries. The
goal indicates indicators for this goal are income disparities, aspects of
> Sustainable Goal 5 - Gender equality: This indicators of this gender and disability, as well as policies for migration and
empowerment of all women and girls. The mobility of people.
parliament
goal are the representation of women in national
of forced Sustainable Goal 11 - Sustainable cities and communities:
or local deliberative bodies and the number
This indicator makes cities and human settlements inclusive,
marriages, etc. The gender equality goal grants women and
safe, resilient, and sustainable. The indicators for this goal
girls equal rights and opportunities to live free from violence area are the number of people living in urban slums, the
and discrimination, including in the workplace.
Sustainable Goal 6- Clean water and sanitation: It ensures proportion of the urban population who has convenient
availability and sustainable management of water and access to public transport, and the extent of built-up area per
person.
sanitation for all. The indicators of this goal are he Sustainable Goal 12 - Responsible consumption and
percentages of the population that uses safely managed
drinking water and has access to safely managed sanitation production: It ensures sustainable consumption and
and the proportion of safely treated domestic and industria production patterns. It includes indicators of the number of
wastewater. national policy instruments promoting sustainable
Sustainable Goal 7- Affordable clean energy: It ensures consumption and production patterns, fossil fuel subsidies,
access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern enerS) the rate of domestic recycling, and the rate of plastic trade.
for all. The indicators for this goal are the percentage of te
 Management &Sustainable Developmernt- Natural Resources &Sustainable Develooment
Environmental
Vipul'sM 101

Climate
action: It
indicates
taking
impacts Sustainable Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals:
Goal 13 - and its is to strengthen the means of This goal
Sustainable
climate change developments implementation and
urgent action
to combat
promoting the global partnership for sustainable revitalize
regulating
emissions and development.
of international cooperation helps in the The role
a achievements of the
to conserve
renewable energy.
14- Life
below water: It is
marin previous 16 sustainable goals. It includes improving
seas, and
>
Sustainable Goal
water, such as
oceans, relationships between developed, underdeveloped, and
sustainably use development.
protec
developing countries and public and private sector
This goal is to
sustainable
resources for land: partnerships as well.
Life on
Sustainable Goal 15 - land ecosysteme The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
sustainable use of
restore, and
promote
rate of
desertificatio
the United Nations in 2015, comprise 17 established by
forests, reduce the interconnected objectives
sustainably manage conserve biodiversity aimed at eradicating poverty, safeguarding the planet, and
land degradation, and
halt and reverse Peace, Justice, and
Strono ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. Despite global commitment,
Goal 16 - inclusive
Sustainable
to promote peaceful
and several challenges impede their realization:
Institutions: This goal is access to
sustainable development and provide Key Challenges:
societies for effective, accountable (1) Resource Overexploitation
includes building and Environmental
justice for all. It also The two indicators f Degradation: Unsustainable consumption patterns lead to
inclusive institutions at all levels.
and registration and prevalence
of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, undermining
are rates of birth
this goal environmental sustainability.
bribery. mechanisms to enable diversity (2) Climate Change: Rising global temperatures and extreme
The inclusive society has of
accommodate the special needs weather events threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and human
and social justice, facilitate democratic participation. health, complicating efforts to achieve goals related to
advantaged groups, and hunger, health, and water security.
THE GLOBAL GOALS (3) Socioeconomic Inequalities: Persistent disparities in income,
For Sustainable Development
education, and healthcare access hinder inclusive
C AEAN WNATER

ONERIY AND MELL-ENG

A QUALITY
DUCATDN OUAITY ANDSANTAN development, particularly in marginalized communities.
(4) Political Instability and Conflict: Wars and governance
issues disrupt development initiatives, displace populations,
95TANAELECTES RESPONSIBLE
and strain resources, making SDG implementation
CLAN ENEIET
vNES ONSUNtos
ANDPRODUCID . challenging.
(5) Financial Constraints: Limited funding and investment,
especially in developing nations, restrict the execution of
42 EACE JUSTICE PARTNERSYIPS
sustainable projects and infrastructure development.
13 D ANBSIEONS
NSTIUTioNS Strategic Approaches:
THE GLOBALCAS
() Integrated Policy Frameworks: Aligning national policies
with SDG targets ensures cohesive action across sectors,
Fig. 2.12: Sustainable Development Goals promoting sustainable economic, social, and environmental
outcomnes.
Source: httys:/[Link] org/turkiyefprojects/sustainable-development-goas
investment-initiative
 Environmental
Management &Sustainable Developmert Natural Resources &Sustainable
Vipul'sM
Development
02
Institutions and
Governance:

governan.
Enhancing () Indus water treaty is in
between:
103

(2)
Strengthening
and ensuring transparent (0) India &Bangladesh (i)
institutional capacities of SD
implementation and monitoring
(g) Ametal largely used in India &China (ii) India &Pakistan
the
facilitate effective (0) Gold (i) Thorium (ii) Tin electricity generation is
related programs.
Mobilizing
Financial
Resources:
Innovative

partnerships an
financing (h) Major component of biogas is
(0) Methane (ii) Propane (ii) Ethane
(3) public-private
mechanisms, including to fund sustainabl () There are Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs)
international aid, are essential () 15 (ii)16 (ii)17
development initiatives
like soa. () Which of the following is a major
Using new technologies Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? challenge in achieving the
Technological Innovation: in
(4)
and digital tools can help speed up progress (0) Abundant Natural Resources (i) Strong Global
energy Development Goals (SDGs). (i) Inadequate Policy Implementation Partrnerships
reaching the Sustainable Empowering |local [Ans.: (a) Solar Energy: (b) Coal; (c) Mineral Oil: (d) Promote Agro
Community Engagement and Education:
(5) communities through education and participatory forestry; (e) Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides; () India
inclusive & Pakistan; (g) Thorium; (h) methane; (i) 17: ) Inadequate Policy
development efforts are
approaches ensures that Implementation]
and culturally appropriate. like (2) True or False:
challenging due to issues
Achieving the SDGs is However, with
(a) Gold is an example of renewable resource.
climate change etc. (b) Mining has no effect on the environment.
inequality, lack of funding, and and
policies, global cooperation, public participation, (c) Agro-forestry is growing plants in the forest.
strong is possible. Focused (d) Natural resources must be utilized judiciously.
sustainable use of resources, progress better future for all.
balanced and (e) We should minimise the depletion of natural resources.
strategies can help to create a () In India fresh water requirement is higher on Industries.
(g) Solar energy is a non-renewable energy.
Review Questions: (h) Acleaner source of energy is oil.
Major coal resources in India are located in the Himalayas
(1) Multiple Choice Questions: example of a renewable resource? ()
(a) Which of the following is an ) Lack of financial resources and political commitment are key
(0) Fossil Fuels (i) Minerals (ii) Solar Energy challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
is an example of localized resource (SDGs).
(b)
() Coal (ii) Water (ii) Air [Ans.: (a) False; (b) False; (c) False; (d) True; (e) True; () False;
(c) Which one of the following is an example of
non- renewable (g) False; (h) False; () False; (i) True]
resources? (3) Define the term 'natural resource'. Classify natural resources
resources
(4) Explain in detail about renewable and non-renewable
() Air () VWater (ii) Mineral oil resources.
Discuss various methods of management of forest
(d) The process through which forest resource management can (5)
ecological importance of grassland and wetland
be done (6) Briefly discuss the
() Deforestation (ii) Clear Cutting Method (ii) Promote Agro resources.
and marine water.
Forestry () Write a note on fresh water
exploitation of water resources.
(e) Which of the following is a major cause of land degradation? (8) Describe the issues of over
degradation.
() Sustainable Farming Practices (i) Overuse of Chemca (9) Explain few causes of soil
of minerals.
Fertilizers and Pesticides (i) Reforestation and So (10) Discuss uses of various types
problems due to over extraction of
mineral
environmental
Conservation ( ) Describe
resources.
104 Vipul'sM Environmental Management &Sustainable Development -|

(12) What are conventional resources? Discuss any two conventional

resources with [Link] l
(13) What are non-conventional resources? Discuss any three non
conventional resources with reference to their distribution,
advantages and disadvantages.
(14) Write a note on challenges and strategies of SDGs.
(15) Write short note on:
(a) Water stress &Conflict.
(b) Classification of energy resources.
(c) Nuclear Energy.
(d) Wind Energy.
(e) Biogas.
() Sustainable Development Goal-6

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