Resources and Development

What is a resource?

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'.

What is the process of transformation of things available in our environment?

The process of transformation of things available in our environment involves an interactive relationship between nature, technology, and institutions.

What are resources classified based on their origin?

Resources can be classified based on their origin as biotic and abiotic.

What are resources classified based on their exhaustibility?

Resources can be classified based on their exhaustibility as renewable and non-renewable.

What are resources classified based on their ownership?

Resources can be classified based on their ownership as individual, community, national, and international.

What are resources classified based on their status of development?

Resources can be classified based on their status of development as potential, developed stock, and reserves.

Are resources free gifts of nature?

No, resources are not free gifts of nature as they are a function of human activities.

What are the various items used in making life comfortable in our villages and towns?

The various items used in making life comfortable in our villages and towns are not mentioned in the given text.

What is the relationship between human beings, nature, technology, and institutions?

Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to accelerate their economic development.

What are the essential components of resources?

Human beings themselves are essential components of resources as they transform material available in our environment into resources and use them.

What is the purpose of Fig. 1.1?

To show the interdependent relationship between nature, technology, and institutions.

What is the purpose of Fig. 1.2?

To classify resources.

What are the major problems caused by the indiscriminate use of resources?

Depletion of resources for satisfying the greed of a few individuals, accumulation of resources in few hands, and global ecological crises.

Why is an equitable distribution of resources important?

It is important for a sustained quality of life and global peace.

What is the danger if the present trend of resource depletion continues?

The future of our planet is in danger.

What is resource planning?

It is the process of managing and conserving resources to ensure their sustainable use.

What is the definition of sustainable economic development?

Sustainable economic development means 'development should take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present should not compromise with the needs of the future generations.'

What is Agenda 21?

Agenda 21 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.

What was the purpose of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit?

The purpose of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit was to address urgent problems of environmental protection and socio-economic development at the global level.

What is the Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity?

The Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity is a declaration signed by the assembled leaders at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, endorsing the global Forest Principles.

What is the Rio Convention?

The Rio Convention is a convention endorsed at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, endorsing the global Forest Principles and adopting Agenda 21 for achieving Sustainable Development in the 21st century.

What is the definition of sustainable existence?

Sustainable existence is a component of sustainable development, meaning that resource planning is essential for the sustainable existence of all forms of life.

What is the significance of resource planning?

Resource planning is significant for the sustainable existence of all forms of life, as the future of our planet is in danger due to the trend of resource depletion by a few individuals and countries.

What is the objective of Agenda 21?

To combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease through global cooperation on common interests, mutual needs, and shared responsibilities.

What is one major objective of Agenda 21 for local governments?

To draw their own local Agenda 21.

List some stock and reserve resources that you are familiar with from your local area.

[Answer will vary]

How would our lifestyle be affected if the oil supply gets exhausted?

[Answer will vary]

What is the importance of planning in a country like India?

Planning is important in a country like India, which has enormous diversity in the availability of resources.

What are some regions in India that are rich in certain types of resources but deficient in others?

[Answer will vary]

Plan a survey in your colony/village to investigate people's attitude towards recycling of domestic/agricultural wastes. Ask questions about: (a) What do they think about resources they use? (b) What is their opinion about the wastes and its utilization? (c) Collate your results.

[Answer will vary]

What are resource deficient regions?

Regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources.

What are self-sufficient regions?

Regions which can be considered self-sufficient in terms of the availability of resources.

What are some examples of resource-rich states in India?

Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.

What is the resource situation in Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh has an abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development.

What is the resource situation in Rajasthan?

Rajasthan is very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.

What is the resource situation in Ladakh?

The cold desert of Ladakh is relatively isolated from the rest of the country. It has very rich cultural heritage but is deficient in water, infrastructure, and some vital minerals.

What is the need for balanced resource planning?

The resource situation varies across regions, and balanced resource planning at the national, state, regional, and local levels is necessary.

What factors may hinder development in resource-rich regions?

Technology and institutions may hinder development.

What is the situation in economically backward regions?

Many regions in our country that are rich in resources are included in economically backward regions.

What is the situation in economically developed regions?

On the contrary, some regions have a poor resource base but are economically developed.

What is the relationship between resource availability and economic development?

Resource availability alone does not guarantee economic development. Appropriate technological development and institutional changes are also necessary.

What was the main attraction for foreign invaders during colonization?

Rich resources in colonies.

How did colonizing countries exploit resources of other regions?

With their higher level of technological development.

What factors contribute to development in India?

Availability of resources, technology, quality of human resources, and historical experiences of the people.

Why is conservation of resources important?

Irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources may lead to socio-economic and environmental problems.

What is the importance of resource conservation?

Resource conservation is important to prevent socio-economic and environmental problems caused by irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources.

What did Gandhiji say about resource conservation?

Gandhiji voiced his concern about resource conservation by saying, "There is enough."

What is resource planning?

Resource planning is a complex process that involves identifying and inventorying resources across regions, evolving a planning structure with appropriate technology and institutional set up, and matching resource development plans with overall national development plans.

What are the three steps involved in resource planning?

The three steps involved in resource planning are identification and inventory of resources, evolving a planning structure, and matching resource development plans with overall national development plans.

What efforts has India made for achieving the goals of resource planning?

India has made concerted efforts for achieving the goals of resource planning right from the First Five Year Plan launched after Independence.

Why is the availability of resources necessary for the development of any region?

The availability of resources is a necessary condition for the development of any region because without resources, development cannot take place.

What is the relationship between resource availability and corresponding changes in technology and institutions?

Mere availability of resources is not enough for development. Corresponding changes in technology and institutions are also necessary for development.

What are the different relief features found in India?

India has land under a variety of relief features, namely; mountains, plateaus, plains and islands.

What percentage of India's land area is plain?

About 43 per cent of the land area is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and industry.

What percentage of India's land area is mountains?

Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area of the country and ensure perennial flow of some rivers, provide facilities for tourism and ecological aspects.

What percentage of India's land area is plateau region?

About 27 per cent of the area of the country is the plateau region. It possesses rich reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.

What are the different purposes for which land resources are used in India?

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, e.g. buildings, roads, factories, etc.

What is the importance of careful planning in the availability of land resources?

Availability of resources in the absence of corresponding changes in available land for various purposes with careful planning is a necessary condition for the development of any region.

What is the significance of community participation in the development of resources in a community/village?

What resources are being developed in your surroundings by the community/village panchayats/ward level communities with the help of community participation?

What is the importance of identifying important but deficit resources in a state?

Prepare a list of resources found in your state and also identify the resources that are important but deficit in your state.

What are the different types of uncultivated land?

(a) Barren and waste land, (b) Land put to non-agricultural uses, (c) Permanent pastures and grazing land, (d) Land under miscellaneous tree crops groves, (e) Cultruable waste land, (f) Fallow lands.

What is the definition of net sown area?

The physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested is known as net sown area.

What is the difference between net sown area and gross cropped area?

Area sown more than once in an agricultural year plus net sown area is known as gross cropped area.

What are the factors that determine the use of land?

Physical factors such as topography, climate, soil types, as well as human factors such as population density, technological capability, culture, and traditions.

What did Mahatma Gandhi say about the use of land?

"For everybody's need and not for anybody's greed." He placed the greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern technology as the root cause for resource depletion at the global level.

What is the root cause of resource depletion according to Mahatma Gandhi?

The greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern technology.

What was the Club of Rome's stance on resource conservation?

They advocated for resource conservation in a systematic way in 1968.

What is the concept of 'Sustainable Development'?

It is a means for resource conservation, introduced by the Brundtland Commission Report in 1987.

What was the significant contribution made at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992?

It was a contribution to resource conservation.

What is land?

Land is a natural resource of utmost importance that supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, economic activities, transport, and communication systems.

Why is it important to use land efficiently?

Land is an asset of finite magnitude, so it is important to use it efficiently to ensure its sustainability.

What did Schumacher advocate for in his book 'Small is Beautiful'?

He advocated for the production by the masses instead of mass production.

What did the Brundtland Commission Report introduce?

It introduced the concept of 'Sustainable Development' and advocated it as a means for resource conservation.

What was the root cause for resource depletion at the global level according to Schumacher?

The exploitative nature of modern technology and individuals.

What percentage of India's total geographical area has land use data available?

93%

What are the areas of Jammu and Kashmir that have not been surveyed for land use data?

Areas occupied by Pakistan and China

Why are some lands in India cultivated once or twice in about two to three years?

The fertility of such land is very high

What is the percentage of net sown area in India if lands cultivated once or twice in about two to three years are included?

About 54% of the total reporting area

Which state has over 80% of its total area as net sown area?

Punjab and Haryana

Which states have less than 10% of their total area as net sown area?

Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman Nicobar Islands

What is the source of the data in Fig. 1.4?

Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, 2017

What could be the reasons for the low proportion of net sown area in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman Nicobar Islands?

Factors such as topography, climate, soil, and lack of irrigation facilities could be the reasons.

environment?

Soil degradation and pollution of water bodies can lead to reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on human health and the environment.

What is the difference between net sown area and gross cropped area?

Net sown area is the total area sown with crops, while gross cropped area includes the net sown area plus the area sown more than once in a year.

What is the significance of the National Forest Policy (1952)?

The National Forest Policy (1952) aimed to maintain ecological balance by ensuring that at least 33% of the country's geographical area was under forest cover.

How has the land use in India changed from 1960-61 to 2014-15?

The net sown area and the land under forests have changed marginally, while the land under permanent pasture has decreased.

What are the consequences of decreased land under permanent pasture in India?

Decreased land under permanent pasture can lead to challenges in feeding the cattle population and negative impacts on the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

What are the different types of non-agricultural land use in India?

Settlements, roads, railways, industry, and other non-agricultural uses.

What are the consequences of continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture?

Continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can lead to soil degradation, pollution of water bodies, reduced crop yields, loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on human health and the environment.

What is land degradation?

Land degradation is the deterioration of land quality and productivity due to human activities and natural forces.

What are some examples of human activities that contribute to land degradation?

Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and quarrying are some examples of human activities that contribute to land degradation.

What are the repercussions of land degradation on society and the environment?

Land degradation has serious repercussions on society and the environment, including reduced agricultural productivity, loss of biodiversity, and increased soil erosion.

What are some conservation measures that can be taken to prevent land degradation?

Conservation measures that can be taken to prevent land degradation include afforestation, soil conservation, and sustainable land use practices.

How does overgrazing contribute to land degradation?

Overgrazing can lead to soil compaction, reduced soil fertility, and loss of vegetation cover, which can contribute to land degradation.

What is the cause of severe land degradation in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha?

Deforestation due to mining is the cause of severe land degradation in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

What are some of the main reasons for land degradation in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra?

Overgrazing is one of the main reasons for land degradation in these states.

What is responsible for land degradation due to waterlogging in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh?

Over irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to waterlogging leading to an increase in salinity and alkalinity in the soil.

What is the effect of mineral processing like grinding of limestone for the cement industry and calcite and soapstone for the ceramic industry on the soil?

It generates a huge quantity of dust in the atmosphere, which retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil after it settles down on the land.

What has become a major source of land and water pollution in many parts of the country in recent years?

Industrial effluents as waste have become a major source of land and water pollution in many parts of the country in recent years.

What are some of the methods to check land degradation in arid areas?

Planting of shelter belts of plants, control on overgrazing, stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes are some of the methods to check land degradation in arid areas.