Resource Development

1 CHAPTER: RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT Q.1 Define the term resources. Ans. 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. Q.2 How do we transform things into a resource? Ans. We transform things into resources with the help of nature, technology and institutions. The process of transformation of things involves an inter-dependent relationship between these. Human beings interact with nature through technology and create institutions to accelerate their economic development. Q.3 How are resources classified? Ans. These resources can be classified in the following ways (a) On the basis of origin biotic and abiotic (b) On the basis of exhaustibility renewable and non-renewable (c) On the basis of ownership individual, community, national and international (d) On the basis of status of development potential, developed stock and reserves. Q.4 Describe the type of resources classified on the basis of origin. Ans. On the Basis of Origin: 1. Biotic Resources: These are obtained from biosphere and have life such as human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc. 2. Abiotic Resources: All those things which are composed of non-living things are called abiotic resources. For example, rocks and metals. Q.5 Describe the type of resources classified on the basis of exhaustibility. Ans. On the Basis of Exhaustibility 1. Renewable Resources: The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical or mechanical processes are known as renewable or replenishable resources. The renewable resource may further be divided into continuous or flow such as wind, water etc. and biological such as forest and wildlife. 2. Non-Renewable Resources: These resources take a very long geological time (millions of years) to form. Some of the resources like metals are recyclable and some like fossil fuels cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.

Q.6 Describe the type of resources classified on the basis of Ownership. Ans. On the Basis of Ownership 1. Individual Resources: These resources are owned privately by individuals. For example farm land owned by farmers, urban people own plots, houses and other property. 2. Community Owned Resources: These resources are available to all the members of the community. For example the village common land for grazing, burial, village ponds, public parks, picnic spots, playgrounds are available to all the people living there.

3. National Resources: All the minerals, water resources, forests, wildlife, land within the political boundaries and oceanic area upto 12 nautical miles (19.2 km) from the coast are included in national resources. 4. International Resources The oceanic resources outside 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone belong to open ocean and no individual country can utilise these without the agreement of international institutions.

Q.7 Describe the type of resources classified on the basis of status of development. Ans. On the Basis of the Status of Development 1. Potential Resources: Resources which are found in a region, but have not been utilized are called potential resources. For example, wind and solar energy is abundant in Rajasthan and Gujarat but so far these have not been developed properly. 2. Developed Resources: Resources which are surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilization is called developed resources. The development of such resources depends on technology and level of their viability. 3. Stock: Resources which have the potential to satisfy our needs but human beings do not have the appropriate technology to use these, are included among stock. For example, inflammable gases; hydrogen and oxygen are compounds of water, which can be used as a source of energy. But we do not have the required technical know-how to use them for this purpose. Hence, it can be considered as stock. 4. Reserves are the subset of the stock, which can be put into use with the help of existing technical know-how but their use has not been started. The water in the dams, forests etc. are a reserve which can be used in the future.

Q.8 Define the terms territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. Ans. The oceanic area up to 12 nautical miles from the coast line is called territorial waters of a country. The exclusive economic zones are the area up to 200 km from the coast line in which the country has the exclusive rights to exploit the natural resources. It includes territorial waters in it. Q.9 Mention the major problems which has arisen due to indiscriminate use of resources. Ans. Human beings has used resources indiscriminately and this has led to the following major problems. 1. Resources have depleted due to the greed of few individuals/countries. 2. Resources have accumulated in few hands, which, in turn, divided the society into two segments i.e. haves and have nots or rich and poor. 3. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises such as, global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution and land degradation.

Q.10 What is resource planning? Ans. It is technique or strategy for the judicious use of resources in a country.

Q.11 Why resource planning is necessary? Ans. The resource planning is necessary due to the following: 1. An equitable distribution of resources is essential for a sustained quality of life and global peace. 2. If the present trend of resource depletion by a few individuals and countries continues, the future of our planet is in danger. 3. It is essential for sustainable existence of all forms of life. 4. It is important in a country like India, which has enormous diversity in the availability of resources.

Q.12 Describe the vast diversity in the availability of resources in India. Ans. The diversity in the availability of resources in India can be explained by the following examples: 1. There are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources. 2. There are some regions which can be considered self sufficient in terms of the availability of resources and there are some regions which have acute shortage of some vital resources. For example, 1. The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits. 2. Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development. 3. The state of Rajasthan is very well endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources. 4. The cold desert of Ladakh is relatively isolated from the rest of the country. It has very rich cultural heritage but it is deficient in water, infrastructure and some vital minerals.

Q.13 Explain the three stages of resource planning in India. Ans. Resource planning is a complex process which involves: (i) First step is identification and making inventory (list) of resources found across the regions of the country. This involves surveying, mapping and qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources. (ii) Second step is developing a planning structure which has appropriate technology, skill and institutional set up for implementing the resource development plans. (iii) Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans. Q14 Why some regions which are rich in resources are economically backward? Ans. It is because of the following two reasons:1. Mere availability of resources does not guarantee economic development. For the development of resources appropriate technology and institutions are required. For example it is seen that eastern states are less developed even when they have vast resource. It is because these states lack in technology and quality of human resources. 2. Rich states are capable of importing resources from outside therefore some states which are poor in resources are more developed.

Q.15 Why resource conservation is important? Ans. 1. Resources are vital for any developmental activity. 2. Irrational consumption and over-utilisation of resources has lead to socio-economic and environmental problems. 3. The greedy and selfish individuals and exploitative nature of modern technology has caused depletion of resources at the global level. 4. To overcome these problems, resource conservation at various levels is important. Q.16 Why the land as a natural resource is considered very important? Ans. We live on land, we perform our economic activities on land and we use it in different ways. Thus, land is a natural resource of utmost importance. 1. It supports natural vegetation, wild life, human life, economic activities, transport and communication systems. Q.17 Describe the distribution and importance of Indias land under different relief features. Ans. India has land under a variety of relief features, namely; mountains, plateaus, plains and islands. 1. About 43 per cent of the land area is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and industry. 2. Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total surface area of the country. They ensure perennial flow of some rivers, provide facilities for tourism and ecological aspects. 3. About 27 per cent of the area of the country is the plateau region. It possesses rich reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests. 4. Islands are less than 1 per cent of the area of the country. They provide opportunities for sea trade, tourism, and fish catch.

Q.18 Name the two states having high percentage of net sown area. Name the two states having low percentage of net sown area. Why these states have large/low area under cultivation. Give one reason. Ans. Net sown area is over 80 per cent of the total area in Punjab and Haryana. It is high in these regions because of gentle sloping lands covered with fertile alluvial soils and black soils, climate favours cereal cultivation, good irrigation facilities, high population pressure. It is less than 10 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman Nicobar Islands because of mountainous areas, lack of irrigational facilities, infertile soils, low density of population, etc. Q.19 Mention the factors on which the use of land depends. Ans. The use of land is determined both by physical factors such as topography, climate, and soil types as well as human factors such as population density, technological capability and culture and traditions etc.

Q.20 Explain the land use pattern in India. Ans. Land resources of India 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. 3. Other uncultivated land (excluding fallow land) (a) Permanent pastures and grazing land (b) Land under miscellaneous tree crops groves (c) Cultruable waste land. 4. Fallow lands (a) Current fallow (b) Other than current fallow. 5. Net sown area . Self Activity 1 A.1 Study the diagram showing Land Use patterns and answer the following questions: 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. What is the percentage of land under: forests, current fallow land, net sown area, pastures and grazing land tree crops, Barren and waste land, Land put to non agricultural uses culturable waste land, Other than current fallow lands. -

1. Which type/types of land use shows an increase/decrease during 1960 to 2002? Ans._

1. What does low area under permanent pastures shows? Ans. The land under permanent pasture has decreased. This area has decreased due to large scale cultivation on them due to high population pressure. We feed our huge cattle population on farm wastes and byproducts such as grain chaff, husk, molasses etc. This puts huge pressure on our farm lands as they have to produce food for humans and for our cattle. 1. What are fallow lands? How much is total cultivated area if the fallow land is included under cultivated area? Why fallow lands are decreasing? Ans. Fallow lands are cultivated once or twice over two to three years and then left uncultivated for many years. It is because the soils are of poor quality and the cost of production is very high. If these lands are included in the net sown area then the total cultivated area will be 54% of total land of India. 1. What is the desired percentage of forest area essential for maintenance of the ecological balance in India? How are forests helpful?

Ans. Forest area in the country should be 33 per cent of geographical area for maintenance of the ecological balance. The livelihoods of millions of people depend on the forests. 1. What are waste lands & land put to non-agricultural uses? Ans. Waste land includes rocky, arid and desert areas. Land put to other non-agricultural uses includes settlements, roads, railways, industry etc 1. What is main cause of land degradation in India? Ans. Continuous use of land over a long period of time without taking appropriate measures to conserve and manage it has resulted in land degradation.

Self Activity 2 Study the figure showing waste lands and answer the following questions: 1. Below are given in List A the names of different waste lands of India and in List B the percentages of waste lands. Write against each waste lands, the relevant percentage of it. LIST A (i) Water eroded area, (ii) forest eroded area (iii) saline & alkaline land and (iv) Wind eroded area. LIST B 10%; 28%; 6% and 56% Ans. 1. Which type of waste land is largest of all types? Mention its percentage. Ans.

1. Why this type of wasteland largest in all types. Give one reason. Ans. Q.21 Describe the natural as well as human causes of land degradation in India. Ans. The natural causes are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Erosion caused by running Water such as streams and rivers in hilly areas. Depletion of forests. Increase in salinity & alkalinity of land due to water logging and droughts. Erosion caused by the wind in semi-arid and arid areas. The human factors are: 1. Mineral processing activities: - The mineral processing like grinding of limestone for cement industry and calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry generate huge quantity of dust in the

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

atmosphere. It retards the process of infiltration of water into the soil after it settles down on the land. Industrial activities: - In recent years, industrial effluents as waste have become a major source of land and water pollution in many parts of the country. Mining activities: - Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work is complete leaving deep scars and traces of over-burdening. Deforestation: - In states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa deforestation due to mining have caused severe land degradation. Overgrazing: - In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra overgrazing is one of the main reasons for land degradation. Over irrigation: - In the states of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, over irrigation is responsible for land degradation due to water logging leading to increase in salinity.

Q.22 Describe various measures to solve the problems of land degradation in India. Ans. There are many ways to solve the problems of land degradation. 1. Afforestation and proper management of grazing can help to some extent. 2. In dry and arid areas: - Planting of shelter belts of plants, control on over grazing, stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes are some of the methods to check land degradation. 3. In industrial and suburban areas: - Proper management of waste lands, control of mining activities, proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment can reduce land and water degradation.

Q.23 Define the concept of soil. Ans. The top most layer of the earth crust which is composed of organic and non-organic matter is called soil. Soil is the most important renewable natural resource. It is the medium of plant growth and supports different types of living organisms on the earth. The soil is a living system. It takes millions of years to form soil up to a few cm in depth. Q.24 Describe the factors which control the formation of soil. Ans. A number of factors contribute to the soil formation and fertility. 1. Parent rocks: - the rock on which the soil is formed decomposes and disintegrates under the processes of weathering. The characteristics of rocks influence the characteristics of soils. For example on lava rocks black soils and iron oxide rich rocks red soils are formed. 2. Climate: - climate influence the rate of weathering of rocks and type of vegetation, thus these influence the characteristics of soils. 3. Slope: - the nature of relief and slope influence the accumulation of soils. Mountains have thin soil cover but the plains have thick soil cover. 4. Time: - time provides maturity to the soil. 5. Various forces of nature such as change in temperature, actions of running water, wind and glaciers, activities of decomposers etc. contribute to the formation of soil. 6. Chemical and organic changes which take place in the soil are equally important.

Q.25 Mention the basis of classification of soils of India. Ans. On the basis of the factors responsible for soil formation, colour, thickness, texture, age, chemical and physical properties, the soils of India are classified in different types. Q.26 Name the different types of soils found in India. Ans. the different soils found in India are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Alluvial soils Black soils Laterite soils Red and yellow soils Forest and mountainous soils Arid soils__.

Q.27 Describe any four important characteristics of alluvial soils. Ans. Important characteristics of alluvial soil are: 1. The alluvial soil consists of various proportions of sand, silt and clay. 2. As we move inlands towards the river valleys, soil particles appear some what bigger in size. 3. In the upper reaches of the river valley i.e. near the place of the break of slope, the soils are coarse. Such soils are more common in piedmont (foot of mountains) plains such as Duars, Chos and Terai. 4. According to their age alluvial soils can be classified as old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar). The bangar soil has higher concentration of kanker nodules than the Khadar. Khadar soil has more fine particles and is more fertile than the bangar. 5. Alluvial soils as a whole are very fertile. 6. Mostly these soils contain adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and other cereal and pulse crops. 7. Due to its high fertility, regions of alluvial soils are intensively cultivated and densely populated. 8. Soils in the drier areas are more alkaline and can be productive after proper treatment and irrigation.

Q.28 Mention important regions of alluvial soils. Ans. important regions of alluvial soils are: a. The entire northern plains are made of alluvial soil. These have been deposited by three important Himalayan river systems the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. b. These soils also extend in Rajasthan and Gujarat through a narrow corridor. c. Alluvial soil is also found in the eastern coastal plains particularly in the deltas of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri rivers. Q.29 Describe any four characteristics of black soil found in India. Ans. Important characteristics of black soils are: a. These soils are black in colour and are also known as regur soils. Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and is also known as black cotton soil. b. It is believed that climatic conditions along with the parent rock material are the important

factors for the formation of black soil. c. The black soils are made up of extremely fine i.e. clayey material. d. They are well-known for their capacity to hold moisture. e. In addition, they are rich in soil nutrients, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime. These soils are generally poor in phosphoric contents. f. They develop deep cracks during hot weather, which helps in the proper aeration of the soil. g. These soils are sticky when wet and difficult to work on unless tilled immediately after the first shower or during the pre-monsoon period. Q.30 Mention important regions of black soils. Ans. important regions of black soils are: a. This type of soil is typical of the Deccan trap (Basalt) region spread over northwest Deccan plateau and is made up of lava flows. b. They cover the plateaus of Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and c. Extend in the south east direction along the Godavari and the Krishna valleys.

Q.31 Describe any four characteristics of red and yellow soil found in India. Ans. Important characteristics of red and yellow soils are: a. Red soil develops on crystalline igneous rocks in areas of low rainfall. b. These soils develop a reddish colour due to diffusion of iron in crystalline and metamorphic rocks. c. It looks yellow when it occurs in a hydrated form. Q.32 Mention important regions of red and yellow soils. Ans. important regions of red and yellow soils are: a. In the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau. b. Yellow and red soils are also found in parts of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, southern parts of the middle Ganga plain and c. Along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats. Q.33 Describe any four characteristics of Laterite soil found in India. Ans. Important characteristics of Laterite soils are: a. Laterite has been derived from the Latin word later which means brick. b. The laterite soil develops in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall. c. This is the result of intense leaching due to heavy rain. d. Humus content of the soil is low because most of the micro organisms, particularly the decomposers, like bacteria, get destroyed due to high temperature. e. Laterite soils are suitable for cultivation with adequate doses of manures and fertilizers. f. After adopting appropriate soil conservation techniques particularly in the hilly areas of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this soil is very useful for growing tea and coffee. g. Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala are more suitable for crops like cashew nut.

Q.34 Mention important regions of laterite soils. Ans. important regions of laterite soils are: a. These soils are mainly found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and the hilly areas of Orissa and Assam Q.35 Describe any four characteristics of arid soil found in India. Ans. Important characteristics of arid soils are: a. Arid soils range from red to brown in colour. b. They are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature. c. In some areas the salt content is very high and common salt is obtained by evaporating the water. d. Due to the dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture. e. The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by Kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards. The Kankar layer formations in the bottom horizons restrict the infiltration of water. f. After proper irrigation these soils become cultivable as has been in the case of western Rajasthan.

Q.36 Describe any four characteristics of forest soil found in India. Ans. Important characteristics of forest soils are: a. These soils are found in the hilly and mountainous areas where sufficient rain forests are available. b. The soils texture varies according to the mountain environment where they are formed. c. They are loamy and silty in valley sides and coarse grained in the upper slopes. d. In the snow covered areas of Himalayas, these soils experience denudation and are acidic with low humus content. e. The soils found in the lower parts of the valleys particularly on the river terraces and alluvial fans are fertile. Q.37 Define the term soil erosion. Ans. The denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down is described as soil erosion. The soil erosion is of many types: a. When the running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep channels it is called gullies. b. The land becomes unfit for cultivation and is known as bad land. c. In the Chambal basin such lands are called ravines. d. Sometimes water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. In such cases the top soil is washed away. This is known as sheet erosion. e. Wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land known as wind erosion.

Q.38 State how is the balance between the soil formation and soil erosion get disturbed? Explain the factors which cause soil erosion. Ans. This balance is disturbed due to human activities like a. deforestation, b. over-grazing, c. construction and mining, d. Defective methods of farming: Ploughing in a wrong way i.e. up and down the slope form channels for the quick flow of water leads to soil erosion. It is also disturbed due to natural forces like: a. Wind, b. Glacier and c. Running water leads to soil erosion. Q.39 Explain the different methods of controlling soil erosion. Ans. Some of the methods of controlling soil erosion are: a. In Hilly areas: Ploughing along the contour lines can slow down the speed/flow of water down the slopes. This is called contour ploughing. Steps can be cut out on the slopes making terraces. Terrace cultivation restricts erosion. Western and central Himalayas have well developed terrace farming. b. Agricultural regions: Large fields can be divided into strips. Strips of grass are left to grow between the crops. This breaks up the force of the wind. This method is known as strip cropping. c. Dry areas: Planting lines of trees to create shelter also works in a similar way. Rows of such trees are called shelter belts. These shelter belts have contributed significantly to the stabilisation of sand dunes and in stabilising the desert in western India.