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NCERT Book Questions And Answers
(INTEXT)
Question: 1 - What changes can you make in your habits to become more
environment-friendly?
Answer: I will make following changes in my habit to become more
environment-friendly:
(a) I will stop using the bus to go to school. I will start using my bicycle for
going to school.
(b) I will stop using plastic bags and would use jute/cloth bags instead.
(c) I will stop wasting water, while taking bath.

Question: 2 - What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with
short-term aims?
Answer: There would be no advantage of exploiting resources with short-term
aims. The short-term aim at exploitation of natural resources may appear to be
advantageous in the short term but they are highly disadvantageous in the long
term. We may be able to enjoy the comforts of life but we would damage our
environment in the process.

Question: 3 - How would these advantages differ from the advantages of
using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?
Answer: A long term perspective in managing our resources would always be
better than a short term perspective. A long term perspective helps us in
protecting our environment and also in conserving our natural resources. This
is an integral part of sustainable development. This will help us in ensuring
that the future generations also get to enjoy the bounty of nature.

Question: 4 - Why do you think there should be equitable distribution of
resources? What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of
our resources?
Answer: Everyone has equal rights over natural resources and everyone
should get the benefits from them. Hence, equitable distribution of resources is
important to ensure that everyone gets their benefit. Many forces go against
the equitable distribution of natural resources. Geographical factors are the
most important factors which do not allow equitable distribution of resources.
Economy is another factor which prevents equitable distribution of resources.



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Question: 5 - Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer: Forests and wildlife ensure a rich biodiversity on the earth. Loss of
biodiversity leads to loss of ecological balance. Hence, we should conserve
forests and wildlife.

Question: 6 - Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.
Answer: The principles of three Rs should be followed to conserve the
forests. Moreover, all stakeholders should be made a part of any conservation
programmes. Interests of local forest dwellers should always be kept in mind
while chalking out a conservation programme.

Question: 7 - Find out about the traditional systems of water
harvesting/management in your region.
Answer: In my state, ahar is the traditional water harvesting system. This
system ensures groundwater recharge during rainy season and thus ensures
around the year availability of drinking water in many villages.

Question: 8 - Compare the above system with the probable systems in
hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.
Answer: At some places, rainwater is stored in huge tanks which are
constructed in the basement of the house. This water is treated with
disinfectants before use. This water proves helpful during lean seasons.

Question: 9 - Find out the source of water in your region/locality. Is water
from this source available to all people living in that area?
Answer: In my town, the water supply from the municipality is highly erratic.
Most of the households have installed handpump in their backyard. Some of
the people use electric operated pumps to lift water. Majority of the people
rely on manual labour to lift groundwater. Since it is a rain-fed area to water
table is not very deep and installing a handpump is quite easy. Most of the
people have good access to drinking water.






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(Exercise Solution)
Question: 1 - What changes would you suggest in your home in order to be
environment-friendly?
Answer: I will suggest following changes in my home:
Replace all the bulbs and tube-lights with CFL; to save electricity.
Using natural ventilation; instead of air conditioners to cool the rooms.
Using natural light during daytime to save on electricity.
Use of handpumps; instead of electric motors to lift water.

Question: 2 - Can you suggest some changes in your school which would
make it environment-friendly?
Answer: I will suggest following changes in my school:
All the leaking taps should be immediately repaired.
Windows of classrooms should be made bigger to allow natural light inside
the rooms.
Blackboard should be used more often and the use of projectors and computers
should be minimized.
Teachers should encourage students to use bicycles while coming to school.
Teachers should also begin using bicycles; instead of cars and two-wheelers.

Question: 3 - We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders
when it comes to forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the
authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?
Answer: The forest dwellers should have the authority to decide the
management of forest produces. There are various reasons for this. Some of
them are discussed here. Forest dwellers have traditionally been dependent on
forests for their livelihood. They have learnt to respect the forest and always
desist from overexploitation of resources. They have some traditional
knowledge which can really help in forest conservation.

Question: 4 - How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to
the management of (a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources and (c) coal
and petroleum?
Answer: For forests and wildlife; I can contribute by reducing the use of
paper. This would help in minimizing the need for cutting down trees.
For water resources; I can contribute by preventing the wastage of water as
and when possible.
For coal and petroleum; I can contribute by using my bicycle for going to
school. I can also take out awareness campaigns to educate people about the
benefits of using environment-friendly modes of transport.
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Question: 5 - What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption
of the various natural resources?
Answer: I can do following to reduce my consumption of various natural
resources:
I will prefer walking and cycling while commuting to short distances.
I will avoid wastage of water as much as possible.
I will minimize my usage of electricity.
I will use public transport; instead of private transport.

Question: 6 - List five things you have done over the last one week to
(a) Conserve our natural resources.
Answer: For conserving our natural resources, the five things which I did in
the last one week:
I used bicycle for going to school.
I took bucket bath and stopped using the shower.
I used old envelopes for doing rough work during my homework.
I reduced my timing for watching TV.
I took a public transport bus while going to a relatives place.
(b)Increase the pressure on our natural resources.
Answer: Five things which increase pressure on natural resources:
I played video games for a long period on one day.
I forgot to switch off the light of my bedroom and slept.
I went to a water-park, where too much water was being wasted.
I threw away some plastic bottles which could have been reused.
I made paper planes and played with them.

Question: 7 - On the basis of the issues raised in this chapter, what changes
would you incorporate in your life-style in a move towards a sustainable use
of our resources?
Answer: I would make following changes in my lifestyle to ensure sustainable
use of our resources:
I will use bicycle more often than earlier.
I will use fresh water for bathing in the winter season; than using the geyser.
I will start using jute/cloth bag, while shopping.
I will collect old newspaper and give them to kabaadiwaala; for recycling.