CBSE - Management of Natural Resources

We should switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Water and food should not be wasted. Close the tap when not in use. Dump the objects made of plastic and glass in designated recycling boxes. Plastic, paper, or glass must be recycled or reused and not dumped with other wastes. This is because objects made of plastic do not get decomposed easily. Besides soil fertility, they badly affect our environment. We should dispose the wastes safely and not disperse in public places. These are a few things that can be done to become more environment- friendly.

There should be a judicious use of natural resources as they are limited in nature. We should not exploit resources for our short term gains as this would only lead to depletion of natural resources for the present generation as well as generations to come. Hence, we can say that there are hardly any advantages of exploiting natural resources for short term gains.

In the case of a long-time perspective in managing our resources, these resources will last for the generations to come. This management ensures uniform distribution among the people. It conserves the natural resources for many years and not just for a few years, as in the case of a short-term perspective in conserving natural resources.

Natural resources of the Earth must be distributed among the people uniformly so that each and every one gets his share of the resource.

Human greed, corruption, and the lobby of the rich and powerful are the forces working against an equitable distribution of resources.

We should conserve forests and wildlife to preserve the biodiversity (range of different life-forms) so as to avoid the loss of ecological stability. A large number of tribes are the habitants in and around the forests. If the forests are not conserved, then it may affect these habitants. Without proper management of forest and wildlife, the quality of soil, the water sources, and even the amount of rainfall may be affected. Without forest and wildlife, life would become impossible for human beings.

Some approaches towards the conservation of forests are as follows:

(a) People should show their participation in saving the forest by protesting against the cutting of trees. For example, Chipko Andolan

(b) Planting of trees should be increased. Rate of afforestation must be more than that of deforestation.

(c) Some people cut precious trees such as Chandan to earn money. Government should take legal steps to catch these wood smugglers.

(d) Habitants of forests must not be bothered by the forest officials. Otherwise, this would result in the clash between tribal people and the government officials, thereby enhancing the naxal activities in forests.

One of the traditional systems of water harvesting used in our region is tanks.

In plains, the water harvesting structures are crescent-shaped earthen embankments. These are low, straight, and concrete.

In hilly regions, the system of canal irrigation called Kulhsis used for water harvesting. This involves a collection of rain water in a stream, which is then diverted into man-made channels down the hill sides.

The source of water in our region is ground water. Water from the source is available to all the people living in that area.

Changes that can be undertaken in our homes to be environment-friendly are listed below:

(i)Switch off the electrical appliances when not in use.

(ii)Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair the leaking taps.

(iii)Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.

(iv)Construct composting pits.

(v)Food items such as jam, pickles, etc., come packed in plastic bottles. These bottles can later be used for storing things in the kitchen.

Changes that can be undertaken in our schools to make it environment friendly are listed below:

(i) Electricity can be saved by switching off lights and fans when not required.

(ii) Turn the taps off when not in use.

(iii) Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be thrown into separate bins.

The forest department of the government should have the authority to decide the management of forest produces. This is because the forest department is the care taker of the forest land and is responsible for any damage to the forest.

(a) Forest and wildlife:

(i) We should protest against the cutting of trees (deforestation).

(ii) We should protest against the poaching of wild animals.

(iii) We should stop the annexation of forest land for our use.

(b) Water resources:

(i) Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair leaking taps.

(ii) We should practice rainwater harvesting.

(iii) We should avoid the discharge of sewage and other wastes into rivers and other water resources.

(c) Coal and petroleum:

(i) We should take a bus or practice car pooling to avoid excessive use of petroleum.

(ii) We should stop using coal as a fuel (angithis).

(iii)We should use alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy instead of depending largely on coal and petroleum.

Natural resources such as water, forests, coal and petroleum, etc. are important for the survival of human beings. The ways in which we can reduce the consumption of various natural resources are as follows:

(i) We should stop the cutting of trees (deforestation).

(ii) We should use recycled paper to reduce the cutting down of trees.

(iii) We should not waste water.

(iv) We should practice rainwater harvesting.

(v) We should practice car pooling to avoid the excessive use of petroleum.

(vi) We should use alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy.

(a) To conserve our natural resources:

(i) Travel by a CNG bus for long distances and walk for short distances.

(ii) Use recycled paper

(iii) Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins

(iv) Plant trees

(v) Harvest rainwater

(b) To increase the pressure on our natural resources:

(i) Use non-renewable resources of energy

(ii) Waste water

(iii) Waste electricity

(iv) Use plastics and polythene bags for carrying goods

(v) Use escalators

One should incorporate the following changes in life-style in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources:

(i) Stop cutting trees and practice plantation of trees.

(ii) Stop using plastic and polythene bags for carrying goods.

(iii) Use recycled paper.

(iv) Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.

(v) Waste minimum amount of water while using and repair leaking taps.

(vi) Practice rainwater harvesting.

(vi) Avoid using vehicles for short distances. Instead, one can walk or cycle to cover short distances. To cover long distances, one should take a bus instead of using personal vehicles.

(vii) Switch off electrical appliances when not in use.

(viii) Use fluorescent tubes in place of bulbs to save electricity.

(ix) Take stairs and avoid using lifts.

(x) During winters, wear an extra sweater to avoid using heaters.

1. From the list given below pick the item that is not a natural resource
(a) Soil
(b) Water
(c) Electricity
(d) Air
Ans. (c) Electricity

2. The most rapidly dwindling natural resource in the world is
(a) water
(b) forests
(c) wind
(d) sunlight
Ans. (b) forests
Explanation: Water, wind and sunlight are non-exhaustible resources. Forests are beings cleared due to human activities.

3. The most appropriate definition of a natural resource is that it is a substance/commodity that is
(a) present only on land
(b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind
(c) a man-made substance placed in nature
(d) available only in the forest
Ans. (b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind
Explanation: Natural resource is present everywhere and hence options ‘a’ and ‘d’ can be easily ruled out.

4. The main cause for abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is
(a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water
(b) discharge of effluents from electroplating industries
(c) washing of clothes
(d) immersion of ashes
Ans. (a) disposal of unburnt corpses into water.
Explanation: Coliform bacteria mainly come from human excreta. So, they can be present in unburnt corpses.

5. The pH of water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 – 4.5, on the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water?
(a) Soap and detergent factory
(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory 
(c) Plastic cup manufacturing factory
(d) Alcohol distillery
Ans. (d) Alcohol distillery
Explanation: Fermentation results in production of lactic acid and ethanol. Ethanol too gets converted into ethanoic acid on oxidation. Hence, waste from alcohol distillery contains acidic substance.

6. The pH range most conducive for life of fresh water plants and animal’s is
(a) 6.5 – 7.5
(b) 2.0 – 3.5
(c) 3.5 – 5.0
(d) 9.0 – 10.5
Ans. (a) 6.5 – 7.5
Explanation: A neutral pH is most conducive for living beings in freshwater. This pH range is almost neutral.

7. The three R’s that will help us to conserve natural resources for long term use are
(a) recycle, regenerate, reuse
(b) reduce, regenerate, reuse
(c) reduce, reuse, redistribute
(d) reduce, recycle, reuse
Ans. (d) reduce, recycle, reuse

8. Given below are a few statements related to biodiversity. Pick those that correctly describe the concept of biodiversity
(i) Biodiversity refers to the different species of flora and fauna present in an area
(ii) Biodiversity refers to only the flora of a given area
(iii) Biodiversity is greater in a forest
(iv) Biodiversity refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species living in an area
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (ii) and (iv)
(c) (i) and (iii)
(d) (ii) and (iii)
Ans. (c) (i) and (iii)
Explanation: Biodiversity included both flora and fauna and includes more than one species. Hence, options (ii) and (iv) are incorrect.

9. Among the statements given below select the ones that correctly describe the concept of sustainable development
(i) Planned growth with minimum damage to the environment
(ii) Growth irrespective of the extent of damage caused to the environment
(iii) Stopping all developmental work to conserve the environment
(iv) Growth that is acceptable to all the stakeholders
(a) (i) and (iv) 
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (ii) and (iv)
(d) (iii) only
Ans. (a) (i) and (iv)
Explanation: Growth should never be at the cost of environment. Similarly, human progress and development is also necessary. Hence, options (ii) and (iii) are incorrect.

10. In our country, vast tracts of forests are cleared and a single species of plant is cultivated. This practice promotes
(a) biodiversity in the area
(b) monoculture in the area
(c) growth of natural forest
(d) preserves the natural ecosystem in the area
Ans. (b) monoculture in the area
Explanation: Growing a single species of plant or rearing a single species of animal is called monoculture.

11. A successful forest conservation strategy should involve
(a) protection of animals at the highest trophic level
(b) protection of only consumers
(c) protection of only herbivores
(d) comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components
Ans. (d) comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components 
Explanation: Proper balance of all the abiotic and biotic component is the only way to conserve an ecosystem.

12. The important message conveyed by the ‘Chipko Movement’ is
(a) to involve the community in forest conservation efforts
(b) to ignore the community in forest conservation efforts
(c) to cut down forest trees for developmental activities
(d) government agencies have the unquestionable right to order destruction of trees in forests
Ans. (a) to involve the community in forest conservation efforts
Explanation: The whole community was involved in chipko movement. This was the main reason for success of this movement.

13. In our country, there are attempts to increase the height of several existing dams like Tehri and Almati, dams across Narmada. Choose the correct statements among the following that are a consequence of raising the height of dams
(i) Terrestrial flora and fauna of the area is destroyed completely
(ii) Dislocation of people and domestic animals living in the area
(iii) Valuable agricultural land may be permanently lost
(iv) It will generate permanent employment for people
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i), (ii) and (iii) 
(c) (ii) and (iv)
(d) (i), (iii) and (iv)
Ans. (b) (i), (ii) and (iii)

14. Expand the abbreviation GAP
(a) Governmental Agency for Pollution Control
(b) Gross Assimilation by Photosynthesis
(c) Ganga Action Plan
(d) Governmental Agency for Animal Protection
Ans. (c) Ganga Action Plan

15. Select the incorrect statement
(a) Economic development is linked to environmental conservation
(b) Sustainable development encourages development for current generation and
conservation of resources for future generations
(c) Sustainable development does not consider the view points of stakeholders
(d) Sustainable development is a long planned and persistent development
Ans. (c) Sustainable development does not consider the view points of stakeholders
Explanation: Involvement of all stakeholders in necessary for success of any programme. This could be seen in the story of Arabari forest in west Bengal.

16. Which of the following is not a natural resource?
(a) Mango tree
(b) Snake
(c) Wind
(d) Wooden house
Ans. (d) Wooden house
Explanation: A house man-made.

17. Select the wrong statement
(a) Forests provide variety of products
(b) Forests have greater plant diversity
(c) Forests do not conserve soil
(d) Forests conserve water
Ans. (c) Forests do not conserve soil
Explanation: Forest conserve soil in many ways. Forest prevents soil erosion. Forests help in adding humus to the soil; because of decomposition of organic matter (like fallen leaves).

18. Arabari forests of Bengal is dominated by
(a) Teak
(b) Sal
(c) Bamboo
(d) Mangroove
Ans. (b) Sal 
19. Ground water will not be depleted due to
(a) afforestation
(b) thermal power plants
(c) loss of forest, and decreased rainfall
(d) cropping of high water demanding crops
Ans. (a) afforestation
Explanation: Plants make the soil pervious to seepage of water. Thus, afforestation will help in recharge of groundwater.

20. Opposition to the construction of large dams is due to
(a) social reasons
(b) economic reasons
(c) environmental reasons
(d) all the above
Ans. (d) All the above
Explanation: Destruction of ecosystem in the surrounding is the environmental reason. Displacement of people is social reason. Economic reason is that displaced people are robbed off their traditional employment.

21. Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars and Kattas are ancient structures that are examples for
(a) grain storage
(b) wood storage
(c) water harvesting
(d) soil conservation
Ans. (c) water harvesting

22. Pick the right combination of terms which has no fossil fuel.
(a) Wind, ocean and coal
(b) Kerosene, wind and tide
(c) Wind, wood, sun
(d) Petroleum, wood, sun
Ans. (c) Wind, wood, sun

23. Select the eco-friendly activity among the following
(a) Using car for transportation
(b) Using polybags for shopping
(c) Using dyes for colouring clothes
(d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation
Ans. (d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation

24. It is important to make small check dams across the flooded gullies because they
(i) hold water for irrigation
(ii) hold water and prevent soil erosion
(iii) recharge ground water 
(iv) hold water permanently
(a) (i) and (iv)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (iii) and (iv)
(d) (ii) and (iv)
Ans. (b) (ii) and (iii)
Explanation: Check dams prevent soil erosion by preventing the run off. By holding water for a considerable time, check dams also help in recharging the groundwater. 

Paper, rexin bag, blade, pen, plastic box, scale, eraser, compass and dividers (metallic),steel lunch box, steel spoon.
Paper, blade, plastic box, eraser, compass, steel lunch box and steel spoon can be recycled. 

(a) The ground water level increases due to recharging of wells.
(b) Ground water keeps the layers of soil above it moist and prevents loss of water by evaporation.
(c) The water can be stored during rainy season and can be used when required 

Since people used excessive fertilizers in the fields, they were carried down to the lake during rains. As many fertilizers contain phosphates and nitrates, the water body became enriched with these chemicals. These chemicals promote excessive growth of aquatic plants and the surface of water was completely covered with plants. (eutrophication). Depletion of light in the water body and insufficient availability of dissolved oxygen and nutrients resulted in the death of fish.

I will take following measures to conserve electricity in my house:
• I will ask my parents to replace all the incandescent bulbs with LED.
• I will switch off fan and light if nobody is in the room.
• I will keep the windows open during day to allow natural light in the room.
• I will reduce the use of airconditioner/air cooler. 

Both the energy sources coal and petroleum take millions of years for their formation. As these resources are being utilized at a much faster rate than their formation, they will be exhausted in the near future, hence they need to be conserved.

(a) Reduce the consumption of petrol in the automobiles.
(b) Use of CNG or clean fuel.
(c) Instead of burning litter prepare manure out of it.
(d) Treatment of smoke to remove harmful gases before discharging into atmospheric.
(e) Plant more trees. 

(a) Locate and name the water reservoirs in Figures 16.1 (a) and (b).
Ans. The water reservoir is a pond in Figure 16.1 (a) and underground water body in the Figure 16.1 (b).
(b) Which has an advantage over the other and why?
Ans. Figure 16.1 (b) has more advantage than Figure 16.1 (a), because the advantages of water stored in the ground are many. For example
(a) It does not evaporate
(b) It spreads out to recharge wells.
(c) Provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area.
(d) It is protected from contamination by animal and human wastes.
(e) It prevents breeding of insects. 
 

Reduce means to use a material/commodity in lesser quantity, e.g electricity and water
Recycle means a material that is used once is collected and sent back to a manufacturer so that they can make some other useful material from it:
e.g., plastic cups and buckets, glass tumbler, paper, metal objects
Reuse means using a thing over and over again instead of throwing it away. It does not involve the process of recycling either in small or large scale: e.g., used envelopes, plastic carry bags, bottles of jam. 
 

(a) Unused water in the water bottle may be used for watering plant
(b) Close all the taps before you go to sleep.
(c) Avoid using a hose pipe for watering plants
(d) Wash vehicles only when they are dirty
(e) Use fan and light only when required
(f) Use solar water heating devices
(g) Use CFL in place of conventional bulbs/tubes

Water is essential for all living beings. About 70% of our body weight is composed of water. we cannot survive without water because water is required for all biological activities. This shows the importance of water for life. The earth has plenty of water. But most of this water is available in the form of saline water which is not fit for our use. Less than 1% of total water on earth is available as drinking water. This shows that water is precious for us. Due to growing population, we are using water like never before. At many places, people are overexploiting water resources. Due to this, people at most of the places are suffering from acute shortage of water. In the context of above scenario, it can be said that water conservation is necessary.

Waste water can be used for
(a) recharging the ground water
(b) can be used for irrigation
(c) treated municipal water can be used for washing cars, watering the gardens
(c) certain pollutants in sewage water can become fertilizer for various crops. 

Forests are renewable resources which provide
(a) Habitat, food, protection to wild life.
(b) Help in balancing CO2 and O2 of atmosphere.
(c) Improves water holding capacity of soil.
(d) Regulates water cycle.
(e) For human being, they are the source for all essential commodities like, fuel wood, timber pulp and paper etc.
(f) It provides useful products like fruits, resins, gums, essential oils, bidi wrapper etc. 

Arabari forest range is present in Midnapore district of West Bengal. Sal is the main tree in this forest. During 1970s, the sal forest was in a state of decline in this forest. The officials of the West Bengal Forest Department analysed the situation. They found that alienation of local people from forest management was the main reason for the pathetic situation. Most of the local inhabitants depend on forest for their sustenance. If they are debarred from entering the forests, they would be robbed off their main source of sustenance. This will make the people feel alienated. This was major reason for many people taking up arms to get involved in Naxalite movement. A forest officer with great foresight joined Arabari. His name was A.K Banerjee. He gave the responsibility of managing 1,272 hectares of sal forest to local people. This forest was badly degraded. In lieu of managing the forest, the people were given 25% in final harvest. They were also allowed to collect firewood and fodder against a nominal fee. This helped in ensuring people’s involvement in forest management. This changed the fortune of the Arabari forest. The sal forest was a worthless degraded forest before implementation of programme by A.k. Banerjee. But after that, the value of sal in the forest reached ₹12.5 crores by 1983. The above story shows why the Arabari forest is taken as good example of forest conservation.