NCERT Textbook: Healthy Community Living | Health and Physical Education for Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


The quality of life in any community is a strong indicator of 
the health of its members. Our socio-economic needs are 
such that people depend upon each other as we cannot live 
in isolation. We live together and collectively share certain 
amenities that are necessary for our day-to-day existence.  
In the previous classes (Class VII to IX), we read about the 
negative effects of unhygienic or filthy surroundings on our 
health. Regular access to basic amenities, such as, clean water, 
sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health care services, 
recreational facilities, etc., are important for prevention 
of illnesses and diseases. For prevention of diseases like 
coronavirus, maintaining of social distance is very important. 
In this chapter, the essential features of healthy community 
living including  social distancing during coronavirus will be 
discussed. The focus will also be on the principles of cooperative 
living to ensure healthy living conditions for one and all.
Healt Hy Community l iving Our way of life, and the utilisation of resources, decide the 
quality of our personal and community life. A healthy way of 
living in the community is ensured not only by the optimal 
use of resources but also by keeping our environment clean 
and hygienic. Let us understand what is meant by healthy 
community living.
The following figures show community life in three 
different situations —
 1. A village (Fig 11.1)
 2. A township in an urban area (Fig 11.2)
 3. A slum in an urban area (Fig 11.3)
A village
Mawlynnong Village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya 
was declared as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 by Discover 
HealtHy Community 
l iving Chap-11.indd   193 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Page 2


The quality of life in any community is a strong indicator of 
the health of its members. Our socio-economic needs are 
such that people depend upon each other as we cannot live 
in isolation. We live together and collectively share certain 
amenities that are necessary for our day-to-day existence.  
In the previous classes (Class VII to IX), we read about the 
negative effects of unhygienic or filthy surroundings on our 
health. Regular access to basic amenities, such as, clean water, 
sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health care services, 
recreational facilities, etc., are important for prevention 
of illnesses and diseases. For prevention of diseases like 
coronavirus, maintaining of social distance is very important. 
In this chapter, the essential features of healthy community 
living including  social distancing during coronavirus will be 
discussed. The focus will also be on the principles of cooperative 
living to ensure healthy living conditions for one and all.
Healt Hy Community l iving Our way of life, and the utilisation of resources, decide the 
quality of our personal and community life. A healthy way of 
living in the community is ensured not only by the optimal 
use of resources but also by keeping our environment clean 
and hygienic. Let us understand what is meant by healthy 
community living.
The following figures show community life in three 
different situations —
 1. A village (Fig 11.1)
 2. A township in an urban area (Fig 11.2)
 3. A slum in an urban area (Fig 11.3)
A village
Mawlynnong Village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya 
was declared as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 by Discover 
HealtHy Community 
l iving Chap-11.indd   193 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
India Magazine. It is about 75 km away from Shillong,  
the capital of Meghalaya. Most of the houses in this village 
are beautifully decorated with flowers and plants. As per 
the Census of 2011, the total population of Mawlynnong 
is 414. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture, 
but it has also been an age old tradition of ensuring that 
the surrounding environment is clean. In fact cleanliness is 
a collective effort and this practice is ingrained in the people 
since their childhood. The people voluntarily sweep the roads 
and lanes, water the plants in public areas and clean the 
drains. A dustbin made out of bamboo is found all along 
the village. Everyone makes it a point that dirt and waste 
are not thrown anywhere. All the waste from the dustbin is 
collected and kept in a pit, which the villagers use as manure. 
Trees are planted to restore and maintain nature’s balance. 
Mawlynnong’s fame as the cleanest village in Asia, is drawing 
a lot of domestic as well as international tourists, as a result of 
which tourism is also an important source of employment for 
the local youths. Besides, there are many interesting sights 
to see such as the famous living root bridge in the nearby 
village of Riwai, which is a fascinating example of indigenous 
methods of conservation and sustainability. Local youths are 
available as enthusiastic and informative guides.
Fig. 11.1: Mawlynnong Village
A township in an urban area
Fig. 11.2: A modern township
Chap-11.indd   194 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Page 3


The quality of life in any community is a strong indicator of 
the health of its members. Our socio-economic needs are 
such that people depend upon each other as we cannot live 
in isolation. We live together and collectively share certain 
amenities that are necessary for our day-to-day existence.  
In the previous classes (Class VII to IX), we read about the 
negative effects of unhygienic or filthy surroundings on our 
health. Regular access to basic amenities, such as, clean water, 
sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health care services, 
recreational facilities, etc., are important for prevention 
of illnesses and diseases. For prevention of diseases like 
coronavirus, maintaining of social distance is very important. 
In this chapter, the essential features of healthy community 
living including  social distancing during coronavirus will be 
discussed. The focus will also be on the principles of cooperative 
living to ensure healthy living conditions for one and all.
Healt Hy Community l iving Our way of life, and the utilisation of resources, decide the 
quality of our personal and community life. A healthy way of 
living in the community is ensured not only by the optimal 
use of resources but also by keeping our environment clean 
and hygienic. Let us understand what is meant by healthy 
community living.
The following figures show community life in three 
different situations —
 1. A village (Fig 11.1)
 2. A township in an urban area (Fig 11.2)
 3. A slum in an urban area (Fig 11.3)
A village
Mawlynnong Village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya 
was declared as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 by Discover 
HealtHy Community 
l iving Chap-11.indd   193 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
India Magazine. It is about 75 km away from Shillong,  
the capital of Meghalaya. Most of the houses in this village 
are beautifully decorated with flowers and plants. As per 
the Census of 2011, the total population of Mawlynnong 
is 414. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture, 
but it has also been an age old tradition of ensuring that 
the surrounding environment is clean. In fact cleanliness is 
a collective effort and this practice is ingrained in the people 
since their childhood. The people voluntarily sweep the roads 
and lanes, water the plants in public areas and clean the 
drains. A dustbin made out of bamboo is found all along 
the village. Everyone makes it a point that dirt and waste 
are not thrown anywhere. All the waste from the dustbin is 
collected and kept in a pit, which the villagers use as manure. 
Trees are planted to restore and maintain nature’s balance. 
Mawlynnong’s fame as the cleanest village in Asia, is drawing 
a lot of domestic as well as international tourists, as a result of 
which tourism is also an important source of employment for 
the local youths. Besides, there are many interesting sights 
to see such as the famous living root bridge in the nearby 
village of Riwai, which is a fascinating example of indigenous 
methods of conservation and sustainability. Local youths are 
available as enthusiastic and informative guides.
Fig. 11.1: Mawlynnong Village
A township in an urban area
Fig. 11.2: A modern township
Chap-11.indd   194 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt Hy Community l iving This picture is of a modern township derived from an 
advertisement in a national newspaper. Many times, 
catchy slogans such as ‘Get away from noise, pollution, 
congestion and a cramped life’ are used by builders to sell 
their apartments. People are assured a safe and healthy 
environment with not only the basic amenities, but 
also other features, such as, shopping arcades, clubs, 
gymnasiums, gardens, clinics, food market, lots of open 
space, etc.
A slum in an urban area
Fig. 11.3: A slum area
These pictures characterise life in a slum area in big cities. 
As you can see in the picture, people live in overcrowded 
houses surrounded by stagnant water which is a potential 
breeding ground for mosquitoes. We also find railway tracks 
adjacent to the houses which is dangerous for children and 
adults too. In addition, we find heaps of garbage scattered 
around the houses.
Activity 11.2
You may conduct a survey in your neighborhood and collect 
information on the following —
 • Make a list of some of the basic amenities and community 
resources that are collectively shared by members of your 
community. 
 • Make a list of some of the community resources that are not 
available in your locality. 
 • On the basis of your observations and survey, complete the 
following table —
Features appropriate or 
necessary for healthy 
community living
Features not appropriate 
or necessary for healthy 
community living
1. Water supply
2. ..................................
3. ..................................
4. ..................................
5. ..................................
1. Open drains
2. ..................................
3. ..................................
4. ..................................
5. ..................................
Activity 11.1
After observing the 
pictures, discuss the 
following —
 • Do you think 
Mawlynnong Village is 
a successful example 
of healthy community 
living? Give reasons for 
your answers.
 • Do you think modern 
townships as depicted 
in Fig 11.2, can offer its 
inhabitants a safe and 
healthy environment, 
as assured by the 
builders? 
 • The pictures shown 
in Fig 11.3, does not 
reflect signs of healthy 
community living. Do 
you agree? Give reasons 
for your answers. 
Chap-11.indd   195 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Page 4


The quality of life in any community is a strong indicator of 
the health of its members. Our socio-economic needs are 
such that people depend upon each other as we cannot live 
in isolation. We live together and collectively share certain 
amenities that are necessary for our day-to-day existence.  
In the previous classes (Class VII to IX), we read about the 
negative effects of unhygienic or filthy surroundings on our 
health. Regular access to basic amenities, such as, clean water, 
sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health care services, 
recreational facilities, etc., are important for prevention 
of illnesses and diseases. For prevention of diseases like 
coronavirus, maintaining of social distance is very important. 
In this chapter, the essential features of healthy community 
living including  social distancing during coronavirus will be 
discussed. The focus will also be on the principles of cooperative 
living to ensure healthy living conditions for one and all.
Healt Hy Community l iving Our way of life, and the utilisation of resources, decide the 
quality of our personal and community life. A healthy way of 
living in the community is ensured not only by the optimal 
use of resources but also by keeping our environment clean 
and hygienic. Let us understand what is meant by healthy 
community living.
The following figures show community life in three 
different situations —
 1. A village (Fig 11.1)
 2. A township in an urban area (Fig 11.2)
 3. A slum in an urban area (Fig 11.3)
A village
Mawlynnong Village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya 
was declared as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 by Discover 
HealtHy Community 
l iving Chap-11.indd   193 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
India Magazine. It is about 75 km away from Shillong,  
the capital of Meghalaya. Most of the houses in this village 
are beautifully decorated with flowers and plants. As per 
the Census of 2011, the total population of Mawlynnong 
is 414. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture, 
but it has also been an age old tradition of ensuring that 
the surrounding environment is clean. In fact cleanliness is 
a collective effort and this practice is ingrained in the people 
since their childhood. The people voluntarily sweep the roads 
and lanes, water the plants in public areas and clean the 
drains. A dustbin made out of bamboo is found all along 
the village. Everyone makes it a point that dirt and waste 
are not thrown anywhere. All the waste from the dustbin is 
collected and kept in a pit, which the villagers use as manure. 
Trees are planted to restore and maintain nature’s balance. 
Mawlynnong’s fame as the cleanest village in Asia, is drawing 
a lot of domestic as well as international tourists, as a result of 
which tourism is also an important source of employment for 
the local youths. Besides, there are many interesting sights 
to see such as the famous living root bridge in the nearby 
village of Riwai, which is a fascinating example of indigenous 
methods of conservation and sustainability. Local youths are 
available as enthusiastic and informative guides.
Fig. 11.1: Mawlynnong Village
A township in an urban area
Fig. 11.2: A modern township
Chap-11.indd   194 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt Hy Community l iving This picture is of a modern township derived from an 
advertisement in a national newspaper. Many times, 
catchy slogans such as ‘Get away from noise, pollution, 
congestion and a cramped life’ are used by builders to sell 
their apartments. People are assured a safe and healthy 
environment with not only the basic amenities, but 
also other features, such as, shopping arcades, clubs, 
gymnasiums, gardens, clinics, food market, lots of open 
space, etc.
A slum in an urban area
Fig. 11.3: A slum area
These pictures characterise life in a slum area in big cities. 
As you can see in the picture, people live in overcrowded 
houses surrounded by stagnant water which is a potential 
breeding ground for mosquitoes. We also find railway tracks 
adjacent to the houses which is dangerous for children and 
adults too. In addition, we find heaps of garbage scattered 
around the houses.
Activity 11.2
You may conduct a survey in your neighborhood and collect 
information on the following —
 • Make a list of some of the basic amenities and community 
resources that are collectively shared by members of your 
community. 
 • Make a list of some of the community resources that are not 
available in your locality. 
 • On the basis of your observations and survey, complete the 
following table —
Features appropriate or 
necessary for healthy 
community living
Features not appropriate 
or necessary for healthy 
community living
1. Water supply
2. ..................................
3. ..................................
4. ..................................
5. ..................................
1. Open drains
2. ..................................
3. ..................................
4. ..................................
5. ..................................
Activity 11.1
After observing the 
pictures, discuss the 
following —
 • Do you think 
Mawlynnong Village is 
a successful example 
of healthy community 
living? Give reasons for 
your answers.
 • Do you think modern 
townships as depicted 
in Fig 11.2, can offer its 
inhabitants a safe and 
healthy environment, 
as assured by the 
builders? 
 • The pictures shown 
in Fig 11.3, does not 
reflect signs of healthy 
community living. Do 
you agree? Give reasons 
for your answers. 
Chap-11.indd   195 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
These activities will enable you to understand various features of 
healthy community living. Through these activities, you may have 
observed that in a community, a group of people live in a particular 
local area. Secondly, they share common facilities, which differ from 
place to place. In some areas, people have access to facilities, such 
as, water supply, sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health 
care services, recreational facilities, community centre, schools, 
transportation, etc., but in some places people do not have access to 
even the most basic amenities. 
A community is said to be healthy when its members 
continuously work together to maintain, improve and expand 
the available natural resources and avoid their wastage.  
The healthy community only be develped when its members 
recognise their roles and responsibilities. They strive to 
inculcate values and attitudes of cooperation, mutual 
respect, tolerance, kindness, etc. The role of Panchayati Raj, 
civil societies and other government institutions is also very 
important to promote healthy living.
Important features of healthy community living
Maintaining cleanliness of our home and surroundings is 
an essential feature of healthy community living. Healthy 
community is one in which all residents have access to 
quality education, safe and healthy homes, adequate 
employment, transportation, physical activity and 
nutrition. Living in overcrowded and unhygienic places 
with excessive noise and pollution, may lead to various 
forms of illnesses, diseases and stress. For instance, lack 
of adequate space, poor ventilation in rooms and toxic 
fumes in the air, increase the risk of air borne diseases. 
Access to basic amenities such as regular water supply, 
safe drinking water and sanitation, is important for 
healthy community living. In the previous classes (Classes 
VII to IX), it has been learnt that open and unattended 
garbage dumps are a potential breeding place for flies, 
cockroaches, insects and so on. Stagnant water and open 
drains breed mosquitoes, the carrier of diseases, such as, 
malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Water borne diseases, 
such as, cholera, jaundice, diarrhea and gastroenteritis 
are also resulted due to water pollution.
Access to basic amenities also includes other provisions 
such as electricity, hospitals, dispensaries, housing facilities, 
roads and transportation, schools, colleges, employment, 
security, recreational facilities and so on. Imagine a situation 
when a member in the family falls seriously ill and requires 
urgent treatment. What would happen to this person if there 
are no hospitals in the nearby city, or no transportation 
facilities to reach there? 
Chap-11.indd   196 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Page 5


The quality of life in any community is a strong indicator of 
the health of its members. Our socio-economic needs are 
such that people depend upon each other as we cannot live 
in isolation. We live together and collectively share certain 
amenities that are necessary for our day-to-day existence.  
In the previous classes (Class VII to IX), we read about the 
negative effects of unhygienic or filthy surroundings on our 
health. Regular access to basic amenities, such as, clean water, 
sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health care services, 
recreational facilities, etc., are important for prevention 
of illnesses and diseases. For prevention of diseases like 
coronavirus, maintaining of social distance is very important. 
In this chapter, the essential features of healthy community 
living including  social distancing during coronavirus will be 
discussed. The focus will also be on the principles of cooperative 
living to ensure healthy living conditions for one and all.
Healt Hy Community l iving Our way of life, and the utilisation of resources, decide the 
quality of our personal and community life. A healthy way of 
living in the community is ensured not only by the optimal 
use of resources but also by keeping our environment clean 
and hygienic. Let us understand what is meant by healthy 
community living.
The following figures show community life in three 
different situations —
 1. A village (Fig 11.1)
 2. A township in an urban area (Fig 11.2)
 3. A slum in an urban area (Fig 11.3)
A village
Mawlynnong Village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya 
was declared as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 by Discover 
HealtHy Community 
l iving Chap-11.indd   193 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
India Magazine. It is about 75 km away from Shillong,  
the capital of Meghalaya. Most of the houses in this village 
are beautifully decorated with flowers and plants. As per 
the Census of 2011, the total population of Mawlynnong 
is 414. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture, 
but it has also been an age old tradition of ensuring that 
the surrounding environment is clean. In fact cleanliness is 
a collective effort and this practice is ingrained in the people 
since their childhood. The people voluntarily sweep the roads 
and lanes, water the plants in public areas and clean the 
drains. A dustbin made out of bamboo is found all along 
the village. Everyone makes it a point that dirt and waste 
are not thrown anywhere. All the waste from the dustbin is 
collected and kept in a pit, which the villagers use as manure. 
Trees are planted to restore and maintain nature’s balance. 
Mawlynnong’s fame as the cleanest village in Asia, is drawing 
a lot of domestic as well as international tourists, as a result of 
which tourism is also an important source of employment for 
the local youths. Besides, there are many interesting sights 
to see such as the famous living root bridge in the nearby 
village of Riwai, which is a fascinating example of indigenous 
methods of conservation and sustainability. Local youths are 
available as enthusiastic and informative guides.
Fig. 11.1: Mawlynnong Village
A township in an urban area
Fig. 11.2: A modern township
Chap-11.indd   194 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt Hy Community l iving This picture is of a modern township derived from an 
advertisement in a national newspaper. Many times, 
catchy slogans such as ‘Get away from noise, pollution, 
congestion and a cramped life’ are used by builders to sell 
their apartments. People are assured a safe and healthy 
environment with not only the basic amenities, but 
also other features, such as, shopping arcades, clubs, 
gymnasiums, gardens, clinics, food market, lots of open 
space, etc.
A slum in an urban area
Fig. 11.3: A slum area
These pictures characterise life in a slum area in big cities. 
As you can see in the picture, people live in overcrowded 
houses surrounded by stagnant water which is a potential 
breeding ground for mosquitoes. We also find railway tracks 
adjacent to the houses which is dangerous for children and 
adults too. In addition, we find heaps of garbage scattered 
around the houses.
Activity 11.2
You may conduct a survey in your neighborhood and collect 
information on the following —
 • Make a list of some of the basic amenities and community 
resources that are collectively shared by members of your 
community. 
 • Make a list of some of the community resources that are not 
available in your locality. 
 • On the basis of your observations and survey, complete the 
following table —
Features appropriate or 
necessary for healthy 
community living
Features not appropriate 
or necessary for healthy 
community living
1. Water supply
2. ..................................
3. ..................................
4. ..................................
5. ..................................
1. Open drains
2. ..................................
3. ..................................
4. ..................................
5. ..................................
Activity 11.1
After observing the 
pictures, discuss the 
following —
 • Do you think 
Mawlynnong Village is 
a successful example 
of healthy community 
living? Give reasons for 
your answers.
 • Do you think modern 
townships as depicted 
in Fig 11.2, can offer its 
inhabitants a safe and 
healthy environment, 
as assured by the 
builders? 
 • The pictures shown 
in Fig 11.3, does not 
reflect signs of healthy 
community living. Do 
you agree? Give reasons 
for your answers. 
Chap-11.indd   195 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
These activities will enable you to understand various features of 
healthy community living. Through these activities, you may have 
observed that in a community, a group of people live in a particular 
local area. Secondly, they share common facilities, which differ from 
place to place. In some areas, people have access to facilities, such 
as, water supply, sanitation, garbage disposal facilities, health 
care services, recreational facilities, community centre, schools, 
transportation, etc., but in some places people do not have access to 
even the most basic amenities. 
A community is said to be healthy when its members 
continuously work together to maintain, improve and expand 
the available natural resources and avoid their wastage.  
The healthy community only be develped when its members 
recognise their roles and responsibilities. They strive to 
inculcate values and attitudes of cooperation, mutual 
respect, tolerance, kindness, etc. The role of Panchayati Raj, 
civil societies and other government institutions is also very 
important to promote healthy living.
Important features of healthy community living
Maintaining cleanliness of our home and surroundings is 
an essential feature of healthy community living. Healthy 
community is one in which all residents have access to 
quality education, safe and healthy homes, adequate 
employment, transportation, physical activity and 
nutrition. Living in overcrowded and unhygienic places 
with excessive noise and pollution, may lead to various 
forms of illnesses, diseases and stress. For instance, lack 
of adequate space, poor ventilation in rooms and toxic 
fumes in the air, increase the risk of air borne diseases. 
Access to basic amenities such as regular water supply, 
safe drinking water and sanitation, is important for 
healthy community living. In the previous classes (Classes 
VII to IX), it has been learnt that open and unattended 
garbage dumps are a potential breeding place for flies, 
cockroaches, insects and so on. Stagnant water and open 
drains breed mosquitoes, the carrier of diseases, such as, 
malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Water borne diseases, 
such as, cholera, jaundice, diarrhea and gastroenteritis 
are also resulted due to water pollution.
Access to basic amenities also includes other provisions 
such as electricity, hospitals, dispensaries, housing facilities, 
roads and transportation, schools, colleges, employment, 
security, recreational facilities and so on. Imagine a situation 
when a member in the family falls seriously ill and requires 
urgent treatment. What would happen to this person if there 
are no hospitals in the nearby city, or no transportation 
facilities to reach there? 
Chap-11.indd   196 8/24/2020   11:46:07 AM
Healt Hy Community l iving To ensure these basic amenities, the role of the local 
government or panchayats is very important. They are required 
to ensure rules and regulations for safety measures, cleanliness, 
ensure equal access of public amenities to all members, 
promote adoption of waste management practices, and help 
ecological restoration and conservation. However, we cannot 
depend solely on the government to take the initiative. The 
quality of life in a community also depends on how the members 
of the community work to improve on available resources 
and ensure that the government provides for these facilities. 
You might have seen this logo before. This is 
the logo of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. You 
must have also seen some of the television 
advertisements through which the government 
advertises the importance and necessity of 
staying clean and keeping our environment 
clean. In this Clean India campaign — known 
popularly as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, 
the vision of a Clean and hygienic India, once 
seen by Mahatma Gandhi, can happen only if 
members of every community cooperate and 
accept individual and collective responsibility 
of keeping themselves, their homes and their 
surroundings clean.
In order to work collectively, members of a community 
need to develop values of co-operation, kindness, respect, 
gratitude, joy, peace and selflessness. These attributes are 
important in fostering the principles of collective work and 
in nurturing healthy social relationships. The example 
of Mawlynnong village shows that high income alone 
is not the only criterion for healthy living. Cooperative 
action, responsibility and positive values can also help in 
improving the quality of life, and healthy living conditions 
for one and all.
Prevention of Coronavirus : s o Cial 
Distan Cing an D Dealing wit H s tigma Prevention through social distancing
Social Distancing: Deliberately increasing the physical space 
between people to avoid spreading illness and staying at 
least one meter away from other person decreases chances 
of catching coronavirus (COVID-19).
Social distancing: Dos
 • Stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
 • Keep a distance of at least one meter between yourself 
and another person.
Chap-11.indd   197 8/24/2020   11:46:08 AM