1

Resources and Development

Milestone  It is widely spread and important soil.
Multiple-Choice Questions  Northern plains are made of it.
 It consists of sand, silt and
1. Which of the following is a renewable
natural resource? clay. Options:
(a) Water (b) Iron ore (a) Yellow soil (b) Black soil

(c) Fossil fuel (d) Technology (c) Laterite soil (d) Alluvial soil
(CBSE 2024)
Ans. (a) Water
Ans. (d) Alluvial soil
2. Which of the following is a biotic resource?
(a) Minerals (b) Sunlight 7. On the basis of ownership, resources can
(c) Grasses (d) Land
be classified into
(a) biotic and abiotic.
Ans. (c) Grasses
(b) potential, developed, and stock and reserves.
3. Prevention of land degradation can be done by
(a) afforestation. (b) cutting of trees. (c) individual, community, national and
international.
(c) overgrazing. (d) removing the top
soil. (d) renewable and non-renewable.

Ans. (a) afforestation. Ans. (c) individual, community, national and

4. A student made a list of natural resources for international.
a project. She put wind energy under one 8. Read the given statements and choose the
column and coal under another column. On correct option with regard to resource
what basis did she classify the resources? utilisation from the following.
(a) On the basis of origin I. Resources are vital for any development.

(b) On the basis of ownership II. Large-scale use of resources in a short

(c) On the basis of exhaustibility span of time is the best way to achieve
sustainable development.
(d) On the basis of status of development
III. Proper technology is necessary to use natural
Ans. (c) On the basis of exhaustibility
resources.
5. Which of the following is NOT true about alluvial
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

IV. All regions of India are not equally endowed

soil?
with natural resources.
(a) This soil is found only in deltas.
(b) This has been deposited by the Himalayan
Options:
Rivers. (a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV

(c) This soil covers the largest area in the (c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV
country. Ans. (c) I, III and IV
(d) This soil is good for wheat and rice
9. Human beings have used resources
cultivation.
indiscriminately and this has led which of the
Ans. (a) This soil is found only in deltas. following major
6. Read the following characteristics of a soil and problems. Choose the correct option accordingly. 1
identify the soil from the given options.
 I. Depletion of resources
(i) Laterite soils are mostly deep to very deep,
II. Equal distribution of resources
acidic (pH < 6.0).
III. Ecological crises
(ii) They are generally deficient in plant nutrients.
IV. Division in society between haves and have
nots 17. Identify the soil which is saline in nature and
sandy in texture. What is its colour and in which
Options:
area it is found?
(a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV
Ans. Arid soils are generally sandy in texture and
(c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV
saline in nature. These soils range from red to
Ans. (c) I, III and IV brown
10. Identify the soil with the help of following in colour. The arid soil is mainly found in parts
information. of western Rajasthan. Due to faster
 It develops in area with high temperature. evaporation this soil lacks moisture and
 It is red to brown in colour. humus.
 Humus content is 18. Suggest any two ways to solve the problem of
low. Soils: land
degradation. (CBSE 2024)
(a) Arid soil
Ans. To some extent, grazing control and
(b) Yellow soil
afforestation can be beneficial. Some
(c) Laterite soil
strategies to prevent land degradation in dry
(d) Black soil (CBSE 2023, 2024) regions include planting plant shelter belts,
Ans. (c) Laterite soil limiting excessive grazing, and stabilising sand
Very Short Answer Type Questions dunes by growing thorny bushes.
11. Classify resources on the basis of origin. 19. Suggest any two ways for the conservation of
(CBSE 2018) resources. (CBSE 2024)
Ans. Resources can be classified on the basis of Ans. Wasteful consumption and overuse of
origin as biotic and abiotic resources. resources can cause significant social,
12. Why are resources called gifts of nature? economic, and environmental issues. Some of
Ans. Resources are called gifts of nature because the important measures to conserve the
they resources are choosing reusable goods, using
are necessary for human survival. renewable energy, using less paper, promoting
13. What would happen if the global oil supply sustainable farming, avoid non-recyclable
gets packaging, etc.
exhausted? Short Answer Type Questions
Ans. It would cause tremendous energy crisis which 20. Why is alluvial soil known as the most
will affect all aspects of human life – food important soil in India?
production, travel and transport, health care, Ans.  Alluvial soils are the most fertile of all other
economic activity, etc. In fact, the modern soils.
world is dependent on this source of energy to  Regions of alluvial soils are intensively
a great extent. cultivated and densely populated.
14. What is sustainable economic development?  Alluvial soils are widely spread over
Ans. Sustainable economic development refers to the northern plain which makes it the
progress that meets current needs without most productive region of the
compromising the ability of future country.
generations to meet their own needs,  Alluvial soil contains adequate
balancing economic growth, environmental proportions of potash, phosphoric acid
protection, and social equity. and lime which
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

15. Name the type of soil found in Kerala. Write are ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy,
one feature of that soil. wheat, pulses and other cereals.
Ans. The main type of soil found in Kerala is laterite 21. How is the issue of sustainability important for
soil. Mostly found in southern states, lateritic development? Explain with examples. (CBSE 2018)
soils are deep to very deep, acidic (pH < 6.0), Ans.  The issue of sustainable development is
and typically lacking in plant nutrients. This soil important because of the depletion of
is the result of intense leaching due to heavy resources due to their over-use. This may
rain. result in the exhaustion of resources.
16. Write two main characteristics of laterite soil.  Sustainable is the capability to use the
2 Ans. The two main characteristics of laterite soil are: resources and maintain the ecological
balance. It lays emphasis on environmental
protection and environmental degradation
such as over- use of resources.
  We know that development should take as
place without damaging the environment. rocks and metals.
It should not compromise with the needs of
the future generation.
22. Mention the factors responsible for soil erosion.
Ans. The factors responsible for soil erosion are:
(a) Human activities such as
deforestation, over-grazing,
construction and mining are responsible
for soil erosion.
(b) Natural forces such as wind, glacier and
water
lead to soil erosion.
(c) Other factors such as ploughing in a wrong
way and defective methods of farming
results in soil erosion.
23. Identify the measures taken to protect land
from
degradation.
Ans. There are many ways to solve the problems of
land degradation:
 Afforestation and proper management
of grazing.
 Planting of shelter belts of plants, control
on over-grazing, stabilisation of sand
dunes by growing thorny bushes.
 Proper management of waste lands, control
of
mining activities.
 Proper discharge of industrial effluents
and wastes after treatment can reduce
land and water degradation in industrial
areas.
24. Why is resource planning essential in a
country like India?
Ans. Resource planning is essential in India due
to the country’s diverse resource availability.
Some regions are rich in certain resources, like
Jharkhand has a lot of minerals and Arunachal
Pradesh has abundant supply of water, while
others face shortages. Given this diversity,
balanced resource planning is crucial to
remove these disparities and ensure that all
regions can develop efficiently and sustainably.

Long Answer Type Questions

25. Explain ‘Resources’. Classify the different types
of resources.
Ans. Resources are everything that are available in
our
environment to satisfy human needs.
Resources can be classified in the following
ways:
On the Basis of Origin:
 Biotic resources can be obtained from
the biosphere such as humans, flora and
fauna, livestock, etc.
 Abiotic resources are non-living things such
 On the Basis of Exhaustibility: areas of the eastern and southern parts
 Renewable resources can be of Deccan Plateau.
renewed by physical, chemical or  The red colour of the soil is due to the high
mechanical processes such as percentage of the iron oxide. 3
solar and wind energy, forests
and wildlife, water, etc.
 Non-renewable resources occur over
very long geological time such as
minerals and fossil fuels.
On the Basis of Ownership:
 Individual resources are owned
privately by individuals such as
land owned by farmers, people
owned plots, houses and other
properties in urban areas.
 Community owned resources are
accessible to all the members of the
community such as public parks,
picnic spots, etc.
 National resources belong to the nation such
as roads, canals, water resources, etc.
 International resources are resources
regulated
by international institutions.
On the Basis of Status of Development:
 Potential resources are those found in a
region
but which have not been utilised yet.
 Developed resources are those
which have been surveyed and
their quantity and quality have
been determined for utilisation.
 Stocks are materials in the
environment with the potential to
satisfy human needs but there is no
appropriate technology to access
these.
 Reserves are the stocks which can
be used in the future such as water
in the dams, forests, etc.
26. Give a brief account of the soils found in India.
Ans. Alluvial Soils:
 Alluvial soil is widely spread over the
northern
plains.
 Alluvial soils are very fertile and are
ideal for cultivation of paddy,
sugarcane, wheat, pulses and other
cereals.
Black Soils:
 Black soil is black in colour and is made up
of
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMEN

extremely fine clayey material.

 Cotton crop thrives in this soil hence
it is called the Black cotton soil.
Red and Yellow Soils:
 Red soil is found in the less rainfall
 Laterite Soil:
shifting of industrial units out of Delhi has
 Laterite soil is formed in the tropical and
helped to improve the health of the land along
subtropical climate with alternate wet and
the Yamuna on whose banks the city is
dry seasons.
situated.
 This soil is useful for growing tea, coffee
and cashew nuts.
Arid Soils:
Self-Assessment
 Arid soil is sandy in texture and saline in Multiple-Choice Questions
nature. 1. We can conserve resources by
 These soils are red to brown in colour. (a) recycling. (b) reusing.
Forest Soils: (c) reducing consumption. (d) all of these.
 This soil is mostly found in hilly and Ans. (d) all of these.
mountainous regions. 2. Which of the following is not a biotic resource?
27. Write a brief note on land degradation and (a) Human beings (b) Livestock
conservation of resources. (c) Rock (d) Fish
Ans. Human beings have brought about lot of Ans. (c) Rock
degradation to land and have caused lot of
3. What type of resource is solar energy?
damage. Abandoned mining sites, over
(a) Biotic (b) Abiotic
irrigation, mineral processing like grinding of
limestone for cement industry, etc. lead to (c) Renewable (d) Non-renewable
degradation of land. Ans. (c) Renewable
The cause of land degradation varies from one 4. Choose the correct option to fill the
state to another. For example, in Punjab, blank. Non Metallic Mineral : Mica
Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, over Energy Mineral :
irrigation is responsible for land degradation; in
(a) Natural Gas
Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya
Pradesh deforestation due to mining resulted in (b) Bauxite
land degradation; in states like Rajasthan, (c) Manganese
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, (d) Platinum (CBSE 2023, 2024)
overgrazing is responsible for land degradation. Ans. (a) Natural Gas
There are various methods to solve the 5. On the basis of exhaustibility, resources can
problems of land degradation such as be classified into
afforestation, control of mining activities, (a) biotic and abiotic.
disposal of industrial effluents, etc. (b) individual and community owned.
28. ‘There are several methods to solve the (c) potential and developed.
problems of land degradation.’ Substantiate (d) renewable and non-renewable.
the statement with examples.
Ans. (d) renewable and non-renewable.
Ans. Land degradation affects agricultural productivity,
6. On the basis of status of development,
ecological balance, and livelihoods. Several
resources are classified as
methods are used to tackle the problem of land
degradation: (a) biotic and abiotic.
 Afforestation and controlled grazing: Roots (b) renewable and non-renewable.
of plants and trees bind the soil and save (c) individual, community, national, and international.
the fertile top layer from being washed (d) potential, developed stock, and reserves.
away or blown away. Controlled grazing too Ans. (d) potential, developed stock, and reserves.
helps in a similar way. 7. Identify the soil with the help of the following
 Creating shelter belts: Shelter belts created
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

information by choosing the correct option.

using thorny bushes have helped to check
 This soil is ideal for growing cotton.
land degradation in arid areas of Rajasthan.
 It is also known as regur soil.
 Controlling mining activities and proper
management of waste lands: Using right  This soil is spread over northwest Deccan
technique of mining can help to control plateau. Options:
the spread of waste land to a large (a) Black soil (b) Laterite soil
extent. (c) Alluvial soil (d) Arid soil
Discouraging factories and small manufacturing Ans. (a) Black soil
units from discharging effluents on land is
another
4 important step in this regard. For example,
8. Read the given statements and choose the correct
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct
option from the following with regard to soil erosion.
explanation of A.
I. Human activities like deforestation, over-
(c) A is true but R is false.
grazing, construction and mining, etc.
cause soil erosion. (d) A is false but R is true.
11. Assertion (A): Abiotic resources are composed of
II. Natural processes like wind, glacial
movement, rocks and metals.
and running water help to control soil Reason (R): Biotic resources are obtained from
erosion. the biosphere and have life such as human
III. Ploughing up and down the slope cause soil beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock, etc.
erosion. Ans. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct
IV. Terrace cultivation restricts soil explanation of A.
erosion. Options: 12. Assertion (A): If the present trend of resource
depletion by a few individuals and countries
(a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV
continues, the future of our planet is in
(c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV danger. Reason (R): The trend is creating two
Ans. (c) I, III and IV different groups of people – the rich and the
9. Resource planning is a complex process which poor.
involves Ans. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct
I. identification and inventory of resources explanation of A.
across the country. 13. Assertion (A): Sustainable development is
II. an evolving planning structure. desirable.
III. matching the resource development plans Reason (R): It ensures development for the future
with generations too.
overall national development plans. Ans. (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct
IV. exploiting resources quickly to explanation of A.
increase national wealth. 14. Assertion (A): Public parks, picnic spots, playgrounds

Choose the correct option according to the are known as community owned resources.
above information. Reason (R): These resources are accessible to
all the members of the community.
(a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV
Ans. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
(c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV
explanation of A.
Ans. (a) I, II and III
15. Assertion (A): The Rio Convention endorsed the
10. “M” gave his friend clues about a type of soil global Forest Principles and adopted Agenda
that suits for growing cotton. Which of the 21 for achieving Sustainable Development in
following clues provided by “M” would be most
the 21st century.
useful in identifying the ideal type of soil?
Reason (R): In July 1996, more than 127 heads
I. It is well-known for its capacity to hold of states met in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, for the
moisture. first International Earth Summit.
II. It turns yellow when it is hydrated. Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.
III. It is rich in kankur and bhanger nodules. 16. Assertion (A): Irrational consumption and over-
IV. It is a well-drained loamy utilisation of resources lead to socio-economic
and environmental development.
soil. Options:
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Reason (R): India has made concerted efforts

(a) Clue I (b) Clues I and III
for achieving the goals of resource planning
(c) Clues I and II (d) Clue IV (CBSE SP 2024) since the First Five Year Plan was launched
Ans. (a) Clue I after Independence.
Assertion-Reason Type Questions For Ans. (d) A is false but R is true.
question numbers 11 to 17, two 17. Assertion (A): The net sown area is over 80
statements are given as Assertion (A) and per cent of the total area in Punjab and
Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the Haryana and less than 10 per cent in
correct option. Arunachal Pradesh,
Options: Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman Nicobar Islands. 5
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
explanation of A.
 Reason (R): People in Arunachal Pradesh,
Ans. (b) Present generation fulfills its needs while
Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman Nicobar Islands
considering the needs of the future
are not interested in growing crops.
generation as well.
Ans. (c) A is true but R is false.
Correct and Rewrite the Following Statement
Match the Following 21. About 52 per cent of the land area is plain.
18. Match the items given in Column A with those in Mountains account for 25 per cent of the total
Column B. Choose the correct answer from the given surface area of the country. About 23 per cent
options: of the area of the country is the plateau
Column A Column B region.
(Soils) (Areas)
Ans. About 43 per cent of the land area is plain.
A. Alluvial soil 1. Semi-arid areas Mountains account for 30 per cent of the total
B. Black soil 2. Eastern coastal plains surface area of the country. About 27 per cent
C. Red and yellow soil 3. Deccan Plateau of the area of the country is the plateau
D. Laterite Soil 4. Western Ghats region.

Codes: Fill in the Blanks

22. Alluvial soil consists of various proportions of
A B C D
sand, silt and clay.
(a) 1 2 3 4
23. Resources are vital for human survival as well as
(b) 2 4 1 3 maintaining the quality of life.
(c) 4 1 3 2 24. Human activities such as deforestation,
(d) 2 3 4 1 overgrazing and mining have contributed
Ans. (d) 2 3 4 1 in land degradation.
Find the Incorrect Option Very Short Answer Type Questions
19. (a) Total geographical area of India is 25. What is Net Sown Area?
3.31 million sq km. Ans. Net sown area is the total area sown with crops. It
(b) Land use data, however, is available only for represents an area in which total crops are grown
93 per cent of the total geographical area. only once in a year.
(c) Forest area in the country is far lower than 26. What is gross cropped area?
the desired 33 per cent of geographical Ans. Area sown more than once in an agricultural
area, as it was outlined in the National year plus net sown area is known as gross
Forest Policy (1952). cropped area.
(d) The pattern of net sown area varies greatly
27. What are the factors responsible for
from one state to another. It is over soil formation?
80 per cent of the total area in Ans. Relief, parent rock or bed rock, climate,
Punjab vegetation and other forms of life and time are
and Haryana and less than 10 per cent in important factors in the formation of soil.
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and
28. Land use data is available only for 93 per cent of
Andaman Nicobar Islands.
the total geographical area of India. Why?
Ans. (a) Total geographical area of India is Ans. This is because the land data for most of the
3.31 million sq km. north-east and some areas of Jammu and
Find the Correct Option Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China is not
available.
20. Which of the following statements defines
sustainable development? 29. Mention the factors on which the land-use pattern
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

of India depends. (CBSE 2012)

(a) Sustainable use of natural resources without
Ans. The use of land is determined by physical
considering the need of the future
generation. factors such as topography, climate, soil types
and
(b) Present generation fulfills its needs while
human factors such as population density, culture,
considering the needs of the future
tradition and technology.
generation as well.
30. When and where was the first International
(c) Utilization of natural resources by the past,
Earth Summit held and what was the main
present and forthcoming future generation.
objective of this Summit?
(d) Meeting the needs of the future generations
Ans. The first International Earth Summit was held
6 even if the needs of the present in June 1992 at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. More
generation.
than 100 heads of States participated in this
summit.
 The Summit was convened for addressing
Ans. Following are the four human activities which are
urgent problems of environmental protection mainly responsible for land degradation:
and socioeconomic development at the global
 Over irrigation is responsible for land degradation.
level.
 Deforestation due to mining resulted in land
31. According to Gandhiji, which are the two
degradation.
main causes of resource depletion?
Ans. According to Gandhiji, selfish and greedy
 Overgrazing is responsible for
individuals and exploitative nature of modern land degradation.
technology are the main root causes of  The mineral processing like grinding
resource depletion. of limestone for cement industries has
also contributed to land degradation.
Short Answer Type Questions 37. Explain any five methods of soil conservation
32. Write a short note on resource planning. suitable to Indian conditions. (CBSE 2013)
Ans. Resource planning involves:
Ans. Five methods of soil conservation are:
(i) Identification and inventory of resources
(i) Contour ploughing slow down the speed
across the regions of the country.
of water flowing down the slopes.
(ii) Evolving a planning structure endowed
(ii) Terrace cultivation controls soil erosion.
with appropriate technology, skill and
(iii) Strip cropping in which strips of grass are
institutional set-up.
left to grow between the crops which
(iii) Matching the resource development plans
breaks up the force of the wind.
with
overall national development plans. (iv) By creating shelter belts. Trees are planted
to create shelter.
33. Based on their age, what are the different
(v) Afforestation is the best way to conserve
types of alluvial soils? Describe them.
soil to increase area under the forests.
Ans. According to their age alluvial soils can be
classified as old alluvial (bangar) and new Paragraph Based Questions
alluvial (khadar). The bangar soil has higher 38. Read the sources given below and answer the
concentration of kanker nodules than the questions that follow:
khadar. Khadar has more fine particles and is Source A – Development of Resources
more fertile than the bangar. These soils contain An equitable distribution of resources has
adequate proportion of potash, phosphoric acid become essential for a sustained quality of life
and lime which are ideal for the growth of crops. and global peace. If the present trend of
34. Which soil is called ‘regur soil’? Mention any resource depletion by a few individuals and
four characteristics of this type of soil. (CBSE 2012, countries continues, the future of our planet is
2014)
in danger.
Ans. Regur soil is popularly known as black soil.
(a)Why there is a need to sustain
Four main characteristics of regur soil are:
natural resources?
(i) It is made up of extremely fine clayey
material. Source B – Soil as a Resource
Soil is the most important renewable natural
(ii) It has a great moisture retention capacity.
resource. It is the medium of plant growth and
(iii) Regur soil is rich in soil nutrients like calcium
supports different types of living organisms on
carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.
the earth. The soil is a living system.
(iv) These soils are generally poor in phosphoric
(b) Why is soil called a living system?
contents.
Source C – Alluvial Soil
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

35. Write a short note on laterite soil and give two Alluvial soils as a whole are very fertile. Mostly
features of laterite soil.
these soils contain adequate proportion of
Ans. Laterite has been derived from the Latin word
potash, phosphoric acid and lime which are ideal
‘later’ which means brick. This soil is the result
for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat and
of intense leaching due to heavy rain. Lateritic
other cereal and pulse crops.
soils are mostly deep to very deep, acidic (pH <
6.0), generally deficient in plant nutrients and (c) In which part of India alluvial soil is found?
occur mostly in southern states. These soils are Ans. (a) Resources are important for human survival
prone to erosion and degradation due to their and we need to sustain them for future
position on the landscape. generations. 7
36. Write any four human activities which are
mainly
responsible for land degradation in India.
 (b) Soil is called a living system because it to global ecological crises such as, global
take many years to form. Relief, parent warming, ozone layer depletion,
rock, climate, vegetation and time are environmental pollution and
8 land degradation.
some factors that are important for the
formation of soil.
(c) Alluvial soil is found in the northern part of
India.

Case Based Questions

39. Resources are vital for human survival as well
as for maintaining the quality of life. It was
believed that resources are free gifts of nature.
As a result, human beings used them
indiscriminately and
this has led to major problems like
depletion of resources for satisfying the
greed of a few individuals, accumulation of
resources in few hands, which, in turn,
divided the society into two segments i.e.
haves and have nots or rich
and poor. Indiscriminate exploitation of
resources has led to global ecological crises
such as, global warming, ozone layer depletion,
environmental pollution and land degradation.
An equitable distribution of resources has
become essential for a sustained quality of life
and global peace.
If the present trend of resource depletion
by a few individuals and countries
continues, the future of our planet is in
danger. Therefore, resource planning is
essential for sustainable
existence of all forms of life. Sustainable
existence is a component of sustainable
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.’ In June 1992,
more than
100 heads of states met in Rio de Janeiro in
Brazil, for the first International Earth Summit.
The Summit was convened for addressing
urgent problems of environmental protection
and socio- economic development at the
global level. The assembled leaders signed
the Declaration on Global Climatic Change
and Biological Diversity. The Rio Convention
endorsed the global Forest Principles and
adopted Agenda 21 for achieving Sustainable
Development in the 21st century.
39.1 In which year was the first International Earth
Summit held and where?
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Ans. The first International Earth Summit was held in

1992 at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. More than
100 heads of States participated in this summit.
39.2 Describe any one problem caused by over-
exploitation of natural resources.
Ans. Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led
39.3 What does sustainable economic development
mean? Elaborate in 40 words.
Ans. Sustainable economic development represents
a comprehensive strategy for growth that takes
into account economic, social, and environmental
factors, ensuring that the requirements of the
current population do not hinder the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
40. Conservation of Resources: At the international
level, the Club of Rome advocated resource
conservation for the first time in a more
systematic way in 1968. Subsequently, in 1974,
Gandhian philosophy was once again presented
by Schumacher in his book Small is Beautiful.
The seminal contribution with respect to resource
conservation at the global level was made by
the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987. This report
introduced the concept of ‘Sustainable Development’
and advocated it as a means for resource
conservation, which was subsequently published in a
book entitled Our Common Future. Another
significant contribution was made at the Earth
Summit at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
(CBSE 2024)
40.1 Explain the meaning of sustainable development.
Ans. Sustainable development is development that
meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
40.2 In which international conference was ‘Agenda-21’
accepted?
Ans. Agenda 21 was adopted at the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 3–14,
1992.
40.3 Explain any two outcomes of the Summit.
Ans. Two important outcomes of the 1992 Rio Earth
Summit:
(i) Agenda 21: A list of development practices
to achieve sustainable development in the
21st century.
(ii) The Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development: A declaration that called for
environmental protection to be central to
sustainable development.
41. Human activities have not only brought about
degradation of land but have also aggravated the
pace of natural forces to cause damage to land.
Some human activities such as deforestation,
over grazing, mining and quarrying too have
contributed significantly in land degradation.
Mining sites are abandoned after excavation work
is complete leaving deep scars and traces of over-
burdening. In states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh,
 Madhya Pradesh and Odisha deforestation due
42.2 Name a few factors that affect soil formation.
to mining have caused severe land
Ans. Soil formation depends on relief, parent rock or
degradation. In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan,
bed rock, climate and vegetation.
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra overgrazing
42.3 Why is it necessary to control soil erosion?
is one of the main reasons for land
Ans. There are two reasons why it is necessary to
degradation. In the states of Punjab, Haryana,
control soil erosion:
western Uttar Pradesh, over irrigation is
responsible for land degradation due to water (a) Soil is important for growing plants – thus it

logging leading to increase in salinity and is important for agriculture for food.
alkalinity in the soil. The mineral processing (b) Soil takes million of years to form and
like grinding of limestone for cement industry therefore, we cannot afford its loss.
and calcite and soapstone for ceramic industry 43. Black soil is ideal for growing cotton and is
generate huge quantity of dust in the also known as black cotton soil. It is
atmosphere. It retards the process of infiltration believed that climatic condition along with
of water into the soil after it settles down on the the parent rock material are necessary for
land. the formation of black soil. This type of soil
41.1 In which state is overgrazing one of the is characteristic of the Deccan trap
main reasons for land degradation? (Basalt) region spread over northwest
Ans. Overgrazing is one of the main reasons for Deccan plateau and is made up of lava
land degradation in states like Gujarat, flows. They cover the plateaus of
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya
41.2 What is/are the reason/s that slow/s down the Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and extend in the
process of infiltration of water into the soil? south east direction along the Godavari and the
Ans. The mineral processing like grinding of Krishna valleys. The black soils are made up of
limestone for cement industry and calcite and extremely fine i.e. clayey material. They are
soapstone for ceramic industry generate huge well-known
quantity of dust in the atmosphere. It retards for their capacity to hold moisture. In addition,
the process of infiltration of water into the soil. they are rich in soil nutrients, such as calcium
41.3 In which state has deforestation due to carbonate, magnesium, potash and lime.
mining caused severe land degradation? 43.1 Why is black soil considered good for
State one measure undertaken to prevent growing cotton?
further to land degradation. Ans. It is rich in nutrients and can retain moisture.
Ans. Deforestation due to mining have caused severe 43.2 What caused the formation of black soil?
land degradation in states like Jharkhand, Ans. Lava from volcanic eruption caused the formation
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. of black soil.
Using mulch or cover crops is one of the 43.3 Explain why black soil is important in India.
measures to prevent further land degradation. Ans. Black soil covers a large part of the country,
These practices help the land regain nutrients where agriculture is an important source of
and save topsoil from erosion. livelihood. It supports the cultivation of cotton,
42. Soil is an essential natural resource. It is the which is also a major input of the textile
medium of plant growth and supports different industry.
types of living organisms on the earth. The soil 44. Conservation of Resources: Resources are vital
is a living system. It takes millions of years to for any developmental activity. But irrational
form soil upto a few centimetres in depth. consumption and over-utilisation of resources
Relief, parent rock or bed rock, climate, may lead to socio-economic and
vegetation and other forms of life and time are environmental problems. To overcome these
important factors in the formation of soil. problems, resource conservation at various
Various forces of nature such as change in levels is important. This had been the main
temperature, actions of running water, wind
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

concern of the leaders and thinkers in the

and glaciers, activities of decomposers, etc. past. For example, Gandhiji was very apt in
contribute to the formation of soil. Chemical voicing his concern about resource
and organic changes which take place in the conservation in these words: ‘‘There is enough
soil are equally important. Soil also consists of for everybody’s need and not for any body’s
organic (humus) and inorganic materials. greed.’’ He placed the greedy and selfish
42.1 Why is soil important? individuals and exploitative nature of modern
Ans. Soil is important because it makes it possible technology as the root cause for resource
to grow plants. It provides habitat different depletion at the global
types of living organisms on the earth. level. He was against mass production and wanted
to replace it with the production by the masses.
(CBSE 2024) 9
 44.1 Define the term ‘Resource Planning’.
Western and central Himalayas have well
Ans. Resource planning involves the identification, developed terrace farming.
acquisition, and allocation of resources to
47. Analyse the factors responsible for land
various projects within an organisation.
degradation in India.
44.2 Explain the need for conservation of resources.
Ans. The problem of land degradation in India is
Ans. Resources need to be conserved because they mainly a result of several human activities such
are available in limited quantities and the rate as deforestation, over grazing, mining and
at which the resources are consumed exceeds quarrying:
the rate at which these resources are  Mining sites are abandoned after when
replenished. mineral extraction is over, leaving deep
44.3 Why did Gandhiji say – ‘‘There is enough for holes and pits. In states like Jharkhand,
everybody’s need and not for any body’s Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha
greed’’? Analyse any two reasons. deforestation due to mining have caused
Ans. Gandhiji gave this statement to express his severe land degradation.
concern about the conservation of resources.  In states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya
He said that the nature has provided enough Pradesh and Maharashtra, overgrazing is
resources for everyone, but people are using the cause of land degradation. In the
more than what is needed. He believed that states of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar
the root cause of resource depletion was the Pradesh, over irrigation is responsible for
greedy and selfish nature of individuals and land degradation due to water logging.
the  Mineral processes such as grinding of
exploitative nature of modern technology. He limestone for cement industry and calcite
was against mass production and wanted to and soapstone for ceramic industry
replace it with production by the masses. generate huge quantity of dust in the
atmosphere. It reduces the rate of
Long Answer Type Questions infiltration of water into the soil after it
45. Describe in detail the land use pattern in India. settles down on the land.
Ans.  Physical factors such as topography, climate,  Discharge of industrial effluents as waste
type of soils and human factors such on land is also a major source of land and
a population, culture and tradition, etc. water pollution in many parts of the
determine the use of land. country.
 In India, the net sown area varies from one 48. ‘There are several methods of utilisation of
state to another. About 80 per cent of the land resources’.
total area in Punjab and Haryana accounts Substantiate the above statement with some
the net sown area, whereas in Arunachal examples.
Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Andaman
Ans. Land is a natural resource of utmost
and Nicobar Islands net sown area comprise
importance. It supports natural vegetation, wild
less than
life, human life, economic activities, transport
10 per cent of the total area.
and communication systems.
 The National Forest Policy(1952),
Several methods of utilisation of land resources:
recommended that 33 per cent of the area of
 Forests
the country be brought under forest cover
which is considered essential for  Land not available for cultivation:
maintenance of the ecological balance. (a) Barren and waste land
 Waste land is mostly rocky, arid and (b) Land put to non-agricultural uses,
non- agricultural. This land is used for e.g. buildings, roads, factories, etc.
buildings, roads, railways and industries.  Other uncultivated land (excluding fallow land)
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

46. Explain the role of terrace cultivation in (a) Permanent pastures and grazing land,
hilly regions. (b) Land under miscellaneous tree crops
Ans. Terrace cultivation plays a very important role groves (not included in net sown area),
in hilly regions. Terrace cultivation along the
(c) Culturable waste land (left uncultivated
mountain slopes is one of the oldest methods of
for more than 5 agricultural years).
soil conservation. The slope of the hill is cut into
 Fallow lands
series of terraces. There is enough level land on
(a) Current fallow (left without cultivation for
terrace for cultivation. It checks the flow of
one or less than one agricultural year),
water
10 by soil and thus reduces erosion. (b) Other than current fallow (left
uncultivated for the past 1 to 5
agricultural years).
  Net sown area: The physical extent of land
6. The main reason for land degradation in Punjab is
on which crops are sown harvested is
(a) overgrazing. (b) deforestation.
known as net sown area. Area sown more
than once in an agricultural year plus net (c) over–irrigation. (d) over-cultivation.
sown area is known as gross cropped area. Ans. (c) over–irrigation.
7. Bangar soils have high concentration of
Let’s Compete (a) sand. (b) water.
Multiple-Choice Questions (c) salt. (d) kanker.
1. On the basis of origin, resources can be Ans. (d) kanker.
classified 8. Black soil is found in which of the following states?
into (a) Gujarat (b) Chhattisgarh
(a) renewable and non-renewable. (c) Jharkhand (d) West Bengal
(b) individual and community. Ans. (a) Gujarat
(c) biotic and abiotic. 9. The colour of arid soil is
(d) potential and developed stock. (a) red to brown. (b) yellow.
Ans. (c) biotic and abiotic. (c) black. (d) brown.
2. Renewable resources are also called Ans. (d) brown.
(a) replenishable resources. 10. The land with deep channels that is unfit for
(b) biotic resources. cultivation is called
(c) non-renewable resources. (a) waste land.
(d) none of these. (b) bad land.
Ans. (a) replenishable resources. (c) arable land.
3. Which of the following is an example of abiotic (d) fallow land.
resources? Ans. (d) fallow land.
(a) Rocks
(b) Flora and fauna Value Based Questions
(c) Fisheries (Optional)
(d) None of these 1. Mention the values that make human beings an
Ans. (a) Rocks essential component of resources.
4. Individual resources are those resources which Ans. We know that resources are functions of human
are owned by activities because they transform the material
(a) a nation. available in our environment into resources and
(b) members of the community. use them.
(c) privately by individuals. 2. Justify the statement “There is enough for

(d) international organisations. everyone’s need but not for anybody’s greed”.
Ans. This statement is about resource conservation
Ans. (c) privately by individuals.
as Gandhiji was against mass production and
5. Which one of the following states have
wanted to replace it with the production of
the potential for wind and solar energy?
masses. In this statement he mentioned that
(a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Maharashtra
there are enough resources which can be used
(c) Rajasthan (d) Punjab by everyone, but if we overuse them, they will
Ans. (c) Rajasthan deplete.
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

11