Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Notes - Resources and Development

Resources

A resource is defined as anything in our environment that can satisfy our needs, provided it meets three key criteria:

• Technological Accessibility: It must be reachable through existing technology.
• Economic Feasibility: It must be cost-effective to utilize.
• Cultural Acceptability: It must align with cultural norms and values.

The transformation of environmental elements into resources involves a dynamic interaction between nature and human institutions.

• Resources are a result of human activities; humans themselves are essential components of resources.
• Human beings transform materials available in our environment into resources and utilize them.

In essence, resources are a product of human activities. Humans themselves are a crucial component of resources, as they transform raw materials from the environment into valuable assets and use them to meet their needs. This process reflects the collaborative relationship between the natural world and human imagination.

Classification of Resources

The resources can be classified as

1. On the Basis of Origin

• Biotic Resources: These are obtained from the biosphere and have life, such as human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock etc.
• Abiotic Resources: All those things that are composed of non-living things are called abiotic resources. Example: rocks and metals.

2. On the Basis of Exhaustibility

• Renewable Resources: The resources that can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical, or mechanical processes are known as renewable resources. Example - solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc.
• Non-Renewable Resources: The resources that, once consumed, cannot be replaced are known as non-renewable resources. These resources take millions of years to form. Non-renewable resources are recyclable, such as metals and non-recyclable. Example - fuels.

Renewable and Non- Renewable Energy Sources

3. On the Basis of Ownership

• Individual Resources: The resources owned privately by individuals are called Individual resources. 
• Community Owned Resources: The resources that are accessible to all the members of the community. 
• National Resources: The resources that come under the nation are known as National Resources. Technically, all the resources belong to the nation.
• International Resources: The resources lying beyond 200 km of the Exclusive Economic Zone in the oceans are called International Resources. No one can use these resources without the permission of international institutions.

4. On the Basis of the Status of Development

• Potential Resources: Resources that are found in a region, but have not been utilized. 
• Developed Resources: Resources that are surveyed, and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilization.
• Stock: Resources that have been surveyed, but cannot be used due to lack of technology. 
• Reserves: Resources that have been surveyed and can be used with present technology but whose use has not been started are known as Reserves.

Development of Resources

Resources are vital for human survival. It was believed that resources are free gifts of nature, so, human beings used them indiscriminately, and this has led to the following major problems:

(a) Depletion of resources to satisfy the greed of a few individuals.
(b) Accumulation of resources in a few hands divides society into rich and poor.
(c) Indiscriminate exploitation of resources has led to global ecological crises such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, environmental pollution, and land degradation.

• For a sustained quality of life and global peace, an equitable distribution of resources has become essential. 
• To use resources judiciously, we need to adopt sustainable economic 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 future generations.

Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992

• Held in June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Addressed global environmental and socio-economic issues.
• Signed Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity.
• Endorsed global Forest Principles.

Agenda 21

• Signed at the 1992 Earth Summit.
• Focused on global sustainable development.
• Aimed to combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease.
• Encourages local governments to create their own sustainability plans.

Resource Planning

- Resource planning is essential for the efficient and sustainable use of resources.
- India's diverse regions have varying availability of resources—some rich in certain resources but lacking in others.
- Example regions:

• Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh: Rich in minerals and coal.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Abundant in water resources, but underdeveloped infrastructure.
• Rajasthan: Rich in solar and wind energy, but water-scarce.
• Ladakh: Culturally rich but lacks water, infrastructure, and minerals.

- Balanced resource planning is needed at national, state, regional, and local levels to address these disparities.

Resource Planning in India

• Resource planning is a detailed process that includes:

  1. Identifying and listing resources across different regions of the country. This involves activities like surveying, mapping, and measuring the quantity and quality of these resources.
  2. Creating a planning system that uses the right technology, skills, and organizations to carry out resource development plans.
  3. Ensuring that these resource development plans align with the broader national development goals.

• Mere availability of resources isn't sufficient; technological and institutional advancements are necessary for development.
• Regions rich in resources may remain economically backward without proper technological and institutional support.
• Historically, colonizers exploited resource-rich regions due to their advanced technology, showing the need for tech and institutional development.
• Since Independence, India has focused on resource planning to achieve balanced development, integrating technology, human resources, and historical experiences.
• India has focused on resource planning since its First Five-Year Plan. Resources alone don't ensure development; technology and institutions are also crucial.
• Some resource-rich regions in India are economically backward (e.g., Jharkhand, Odisha). Some resource-poor regions are economically developed (e.g., Punjab, Haryana). Colonization exploited resource-rich areas due to advanced technology.

Conservation of Resources

• Resources are essential for any development activity. Irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources can cause socio-economic and environmental issues. Resource conservation at various levels is crucial to prevent these problems.
• Historical Concern:
  - Leaders and thinkers in the past, like Gandhiji, emphasized the importance of resource conservation.
  - Gandhiji believed there is enough for everyone’s need, but not for greed, and saw greed and exploitative technology as the main causes of resource depletion.
  - Gandhiji advocated for production by the masses, rather than mass production, to ensure sustainable resource use.

• Land Resources

• Land is a natural resource of utmost importance. It supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, economic activities, transport and communication systems.
• Land is present in limited size so we must use it effectively.

Land under Important Relief Features in India

• About 43 per cent of the land area is plain, which provides facilities for agriculture and industry.
• About 30 per cent of the total surface area of the country is mountainous which ensure the perennial flow of some rivers and provide facilities for tourism and ecological aspects.
• About 27 per cent of the area of the country is the plateau region that possesses rich reserves of minerals, fossil fuels and forests.

Land Utilisation

Land resources are used for the following purposes:
- Forests: Significant portions of land are designated as forested areas.
- Land not available for cultivation: Includes barren and waste land, and land used for non-agricultural purposes such as buildings, roads, and factories.
- Other uncultivated land (excluding fallow land): Comprises permanent pastures and grazing lands, land under miscellaneous tree crops and groves, and culturable waste land left uncultivated for over five years.
- Fallow lands:

• Current fallow: Land left without cultivation for up to one year.
• Other than current fallow: Land left uncultivated for 1 to 5 years.

- Net sown area: The area of land where crops are sown and harvested.
- Gross cropped area: The total area sown, including areas sown more than once in an agricultural year, plus the net sown area.

Land Use Pattern in India

• Physical factors such as topography, climate, soil types
• Human factors such as population density, technological capability and culture and traditions etc.

• Land use in India is influenced by both physical factors (topography, climate, soil types) and human factors (population density, technology, culture, traditions).
• Total geographical area of India: 3.28 million sq km.
• Land use data is available for 93% of this area; some regions (Northeast states except Assam, parts of Jammu and Kashmir) are not fully surveyed.
• Permanent pasture land has decreased, raising concerns about how India's large cattle population is fed.
• Other fallow lands are often of poor quality or high cultivation cost, resulting in limited cultivation. Including these, Net Sown Area (NSA) is about 54% of the total reporting area.
• Net Sown Area varies widely across states: over 80% in Punjab and Haryana, but less than 10% in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Forest area is below the desired 33% of geographical area, essential for ecological balance (as per National Forest Policy 1952). Many depend on forests for livelihood.
• Waste land includes rocky, arid, and desert areas; non-agricultural land is used for settlements, roads, railways, industry.
• Continuous land use without conservation leads to land degradation, causing serious social and environmental repercussions.

Land Degradation and Conservation Measures

• Land degradation is a significant issue due to human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and quarrying.
• 95% of basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing come from land, making its conservation crucial for future generations.
• Mining in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha has caused severe land degradation due to deforestation.
• Overgrazing is a key factor in land degradation in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Over-irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh leads to waterlogging, increasing salinity and alkalinity in soil.
• Mineral processing industries (e.g., limestone grinding, calcite, soapstone) contribute to land degradation by creating dust, which reduces water infiltration.
• Industrial effluents are a major cause of land and water pollution in many parts of the country.
• Conservation measures include afforestation, proper grazing management, shelter belt planting, stabilization of sand dunes with thorny bushes, waste land management, controlled mining, and proper disposal of industrial effluents.

Soil as a Resource

Soil is the most important renewable natural resource. It is the medium of plant growth and supports different types of living organisms on the earth.

Factors responsible for Soil Formation

1. It takes millions of years to form few centimetres of soil.
2. Relief, parent rock, climate, vegetation are important factors for soil formation.
3. Change in temperature, actions of running water, wind and glaciers all contribute to soil formation.
4. Chemical and organic changes which take place in the soil are also important for soil formation.

Classification of Soils

On the basis of the factors responsible for soil formation, color, thickness, texture, age, chemical and physical properties, the soils of India can be classified in different types:

India: Major Soil Types

1. Alluvial Soils

• Alluvial soil is the most widespread and important soil in India, primarily found in the northern plains.
• Deposited by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, alluvial soil also extends into Rajasthan and Gujarat and is present in the eastern coastal plains (deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers).
• Composed of sand, silt, and clay in varying proportions, the soil particles are coarser near the piedmont plains like Duars, Chos, and Terai.
• Alluvial soils are classified by age into old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar).
  - Bangar: Contains more kanker nodules, coarser, and less fertile.
  - Khadar: Finer particles, more fertile, and better suited for cultivation.
• These soils are highly fertile, rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, making them ideal for sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and pulse crops.
• Intensively cultivated and densely populated regions often have alluvial soils.
• Alkaline soils in drier areas can become productive with proper treatment and irrigation.

Alluvial Soil

2. Black Soil

• Black Soil is also known as regur soil and is characterized by its black color.
• Ideal for growing cotton, hence often called black cotton soil.
• Formation is influenced by climatic conditions and parent rock material (primarily from lava flows).
• Predominantly found in the Deccan trap region, including Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Extends southeast along the Godavari and Krishna valleys.
• Composed of clayey material, known for its moisture retention capacity.
• Rich in calcium carbonate, magnesium, potash, and lime, but generally poor in phosphoric content.
• Develops deep cracks in hot weather, aiding soil aeration.
• Sticky when wet and difficult to work unless tilled after the first shower or during the pre-monsoon period.

Black Soil

3. Red and Yellow Soils

Red Soil

• Red soil develops on crystalline Igneous rocks.
• Found in areas with low rainfall in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan plateau, as well as in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, the southern parts of the middle Ganga plain, and along the piedmont zone of the Western Ghats.
• These soils acquire a reddish color due to iron diffusion in crystalline and metamorphic rocks, appearing yellow in hydrated form.

4. Laterite Soils

Laterite Soil

• Laterite Soil derives its name from the Latin word 'later', meaning brick.
• Develops under tropical and subtropical climates with alternating wet and dry seasons.
• Result of intense leaching due to heavy rainfall.
• Typically deep to very deep, acidic (pH < 6.0), and generally deficient in plant nutrients.
• Found predominantly in southern states, Western Ghats region of Maharashtra, Odisha, parts of West Bengal, and North-east regions.
• In areas with deciduous and evergreen forests, lateritic soils are humus-rich; in sparse vegetation or semi-arid environments, they are humus-poor.
• Prone to erosion and degradation due to landscape position.
• Useful for growing tea and coffee, especially in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu with proper soil conservation techniques.
• Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are particularly suitable for crops like cashew nut.

5. Arid Soils

• Arid soils vary in color from red to brown.
• They typically have a sandy texture and are saline in nature.
• In certain regions, the salt concentration is high, and common salt is obtained through water evaporation.
• Due to the arid climate and high temperatures, evaporation is rapid, resulting in a lack of humus and moisture in the soil.
• The lower soil layers contain Kankar due to increasing calcium content downwards, hindering water infiltration.
• With adequate irrigation, these soils can become cultivable, as seen in western Rajasthan.

Arid Soil

6. Forest Soils

• These soils are present in hilly and mountainous regions with ample rainfall and forests.
• The texture of these soils varies based on the mountainous environment where they form.
• They are loamy and silty on valley sides and coarse-grained on upper slopes.
• In the snow-covered Himalayan areas, denudation occurs, making the soils acidic with low humus levels.
• Soils in lower valley parts, especially on river terraces and alluvial fans, are fertile.

Forest Soil

Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

• Soil Erosion: The process of denudation of the soil cover and subsequent washing down. This can be accelerated by both natural forces (wind, glacier, water) and human activities (deforestation, over-grazing, construction, mining).
• Gully Erosion: Running water cuts through clayey soils creating deep channels, rendering land unfit for cultivation. In the Chambal basin, these lands are known as ravines.
• Sheet Erosion: Water flows as a sheet over large areas, washing away the topsoil.
• Wind Erosion: Wind blows loose soil off flat or sloping land, removing topsoil.
• Defective Farming Methods: Incorrect ploughing (up and down the slope) forms channels that facilitate quick water flow and lead to erosion.
• Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along contour lines to decelerate water flow and reduce soil erosion.
• Terrace Cultivation: Cutting steps on slopes to create terraces, helping to restrict erosion. Prominent in the Western and Central Himalayas.
• Strip Cropping: Dividing large fields into strips with grass strips between crops to break wind force and reduce erosion.
• Shelter Belts: Planting rows of trees to create barriers that stabilize sand dunes and desert areas, particularly effective in western India.