Let's Explore: Natural Resources and Their Use | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

When does Nature become a Resource?

DON’T MISS OUT - Page No.3

Q. In many indigenous traditions of the world, Nature is considered sacred. You have read about this. In such traditions, Nature is a nurturer and nourisher. 

Do you know of practices that reflect this?
Ans:  In many indigenous traditions, Nature is seen as sacred, a nurturer and nourisher. Examples of practices that reflect this include:

• Sacred Groves: In parts of India like Kerala and Maharashtra, communities protect small forests called "devrais" or "sacred groves" where trees and animals are not harmed because they are considered homes of deities. This prevents deforestation and preserves biodiversity.
• Tulasi Puja: As shown in the lesson, people worship the Tulasi plant daily, treating it as a holy plant that provides health benefits. This encourages planting and caring for it, promoting green cover.
  
  Tulasi Puja for wellbeing
• River Worship: In traditions like the Ganga Aarti, rivers are worshipped as mothers (e.g., Ganga Mata), discouraging pollution and encouraging conservation through rituals.
• Animal Protection in Festivals: During festivals like Nag Panchami, snakes are revered and not killed, reflecting respect for wildlife as part of Nature's balance.
• Tree Planting Rituals: In some tribal communities, like the Bishnois in Rajasthan, trees are protected fiercely; they even hug trees to prevent cutting, as seen in the Chipko Movement inspired by such traditions.

THINK ABOUT IT - Page No.3

Q. Take a pause. Look at yourself and the things around you. What is the origin of each of them? At some point they all lead to Nature; even the plastic button on your shirt.
Ans: Everything around us traces back to Nature at some point:

• Your Body: Made from food (plants and animals grown in soil), water (from rivers or rain), and air (from the atmosphere)—all natural elements.
• Clothes: Cotton shirts come from cotton plants grown in soil; even synthetic fabrics like polyester start from petroleum, a natural resource extracted from the Earth.
• Plastic Button on Shirt: Plastic is made from petroleum or natural gas, which are fossil fuels formed over millions of years from ancient plants and animals buried in the Earth.
• Books or Paper: From trees (wood pulp) that grow in forests, using water and sunlight.
• Phone or Gadgets: Metals like copper and gold in circuits come from mineral ores mined from the ground; batteries use lithium from natural deposits.
• Food on Table: Fruits, vegetables, and grains from soil; even processed items like bread start with wheat plants.

This shows how humans depend on Nature for basics, turning natural elements into useful items through processing.

Categories of Natural Resources

THINK ABOUT IT - (Page 4)

Q. What might be the different criteria we can use to categorise natural resources?
Ans: Different criteria for categorising natural resources include:

• Based on Uses: Essential for life (air, water, soil for food); for materials (wood, metals for objects); for energy (coal, sunlight for power).
• Based on Renewability: Renewable (can regenerate, like sunlight, wind) vs. non-renewable (limited, like coal, petroleum).
• Based on Origin: Biotic (from living things, like timber, honey) vs. abiotic (from non-living, like minerals, water).
• Based on Availability: Ubiquitous (everywhere, like air) vs. localised (in specific places, like gold mines).
• Based on Development Stage: Potential (exists but not used, like untapped oil) vs. actual (currently used, like river water for hydropower).

These help us understand, manage, and communicate about resources effectively, just like categorising living and non-living things in science.

DON'T MISS OUT (Page 6):

Traditionally, communities had a system of regulating (or refraining from) fishing during the spawning season to enable the maintenance of the fish population. However, the commercialisation of fishing resulted in over-fishing. In the case of a type of fish called tuna, for example, the rapid and extensive decline in their population led to some agreements on control of fishing. Nevertheless, this important type of fish that keeps the ocean ecosystem in balance by consuming smaller fish, shrimps, etc., is on a decline. 

Q. Do you know of other traditional practices that help the ecosystem to stay in balance? 

Ans: Besides regulating fishing during spawning seasons, other traditional practices include:

• Crop Rotation and Multi-Cropping: In ancient Indian farming (from Vrikshayurveda), farmers rotate crops like legumes with grains to restore soil nutrients naturally, preventing soil exhaustion.
• Sacred Water Bodies: In villages, ponds and tanks are protected as sacred, with no waste dumping, allowing natural recharge and supporting fish and birds.
• Community Forest Management: Tribes like the Gond in central India limit wood collection to dead branches, planting new trees to replace any cut, maintaining forest health.
• No-Till Farming: Gentle ploughing in traditional methods disturbs soil less, retaining moisture and underground life like earthworms.
• Natural Pest Control: Using neem leaves or cow urine sprays instead of chemicals, as in organic traditions, to avoid harming beneficial insects.

These practices ensure Nature's cycles continue, like decomposition enriching soil or pollination by bees.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 7):

Q. Identify human actions in your surroundings that result in Nature losing her ability to restore and regenerate. What types of interventions can be undertaken to restore Nature’s cycle?
Ans: Human actions in surroundings that harm Nature's restoration:

• Deforestation for Housing: Cutting trees for buildings reduces oxygen and disrupts animal habitats, leading to soil erosion.
• Industrial Waste Dumping: Factories release chemicals into rivers, poisoning water and killing fish, breaking decomposition cycles.
• Overuse of Plastic: Throwing plastic waste clogs soil and water, preventing natural breakdown.
• Excessive Groundwater Pumping: For irrigation or cities, lowers water tables faster than rain can refill.
• Air Pollution from Vehicles: Releases gases that cause acid rain, damaging forests and soil.

Interventions to restore Nature's cycle:

• Planting Native Trees: Reforestation with local species to bring back birds and animals, improving soil.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting roof water in tanks to recharge groundwater.
• Waste Recycling: Composting organic waste to enrich soil, reducing landfill pollution.
• River Cleanups: Community drives to remove waste and plant along banks.
• Switch to Renewables: Using solar panels instead of coal to cut pollution and allow natural recovery.

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 8):

Q1. Take up a small research study to assess the types of renewable resources in your region; you may discuss with your teacher the geographical area of your study and sources to access information that you may need. What has been the change in their status over time? Make a small report that identifies the reasons for the change and what may be done.
Ans: Note: Answers may vary by region; example for a general Indian context like northern plains.)

Types of renewable resources:

• Solar Energy: Abundant sunlight for solar panels.
• Wind Energy: In windy areas like coasts, for windmills.
• Water (Hydropower): Rivers for small dams or microhydels.
• Biomass: Crop waste or wood from sustainable forests.
• Geothermal: Hot springs in some hilly areas.

Change in status over time:

• Increased use of solar (more panels installed), but rivers polluted, reducing clean water availability.
• Forests shrunk due to urban growth, but afforestation programs are helping.

Reasons for change:

• Population growth and industries increasing demand.
• Pollution from chemicals harming soil and water.
• Climate change causing irregular rain.

What may be done:

• Promote community solar farms.
• Clean rivers through awareness campaigns.
• Enforce laws against over-extraction.

Q2. What are the non-renewable resources that you use daily, directly or indirectly? What are the possible renewable substitutes? What are some of the steps we can take to transition to renewables?
Ans: Non-renewable resources used daily:

• Directly: Petrol/diesel for vehicles (from petroleum); coal for electricity in some areas.
• Indirectly: Plastic items (from petroleum); metals in phones (iron, copper ores); cement in buildings (from limestone).

Possible renewable substitutes:

• Electric vehicles or biofuels instead of petrol.
• Solar/wind power instead of coal electricity.
• Bamboo or recycled paper instead of new plastics.
• Mud/wood buildings instead of cement.

Steps to transition:

• Educate people on energy-saving habits.
• Government subsidies for solar installations.
• Recycle programs in schools and homes.
• Research better batteries for renewables.
• Plant trees to offset carbon from non-renewables.

Distribution of Natural Resources and its Implications

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 9):

Q. Observe the map in figure below. Notice the uneven distribution of important minerals. What types of resources are available in your region? How are they distributed? 

Ans: Uneven Distribution of Minerals:

• The map shows that minerals like coal, oil, iron ore, and bauxite are not spread evenly across India. Coal is mostly in the east (e.g., Jharia, Raniganj) and central areas (e.g., Talcher). Oil is found in the northeast (e.g., Digboi) and west coast (e.g., Mumbai High). Iron ore is in central and southern states (e.g., Bailadila, Goa), while bauxite is in the east and south (e.g., Koraput, Ratnagiri).
• This uneven spread means some regions have lots of resources, while others have very few, depending on the land’s natural makeup.

Types of Resources in Your Region:

• Northern India (e.g., Uttar Pradesh): Mostly no major minerals shown, but rivers like the Ganga provide water, a renewable resource.
• Eastern India (e.g., Jharkhand): Rich in coal (Jharia, Bokaro) and some iron ore, used for energy and steel.
• Western India (e.g., Gujarat): Has oil (Ankleshwar, Kalol) and offshore oil (Mumbai High), key for fuel.
• Southern India (e.g., Karnataka): Has iron ore (Chikmagalur, Tumkur) and some bauxite, used for industry.
• Check your area on the map and see which symbols (coal, oil, iron ore, bauxite) are near you!

Distribution in Your Region:

• Northern India: Water is widespread but not mineral-rich; it’s evenly available from rivers, good for farming.
• Eastern India: Coal is concentrated in specific spots like Jharia and Raniganj, with mines close together, making it easy to extract but limited to those areas.
• Western India: Oil is scattered, with onshore fields (Ankleshwar) and offshore (Mumbai High), requiring different methods to reach.
• Southern India: Iron ore is spread across hilly areas (e.g., Chikmagalur), often in clusters, needing transport to cities.

The distribution depends on your region’s geography—mountains, plains, or coasts affect where resources are found and how easy they are to use!

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 10)

Q1. Select any two natural resources. Gather information about their availability across different parts of India. Mark them on a map. What do you observe about their distribution? What are the types of economic activities connected with them? 
Ans: 

• Selected Natural Resources: I have chosen Coal (a non-renewable resource used for energy) and Petroleum (Oil) (another non-renewable resource used for fuel and materials). These are important for India's energy needs.
• Availability of Coal Across India: Coal is India's main energy source, with total reserves estimated at over 350 billion tonnes.

• Major deposits are in eastern and central India:
  • Jharkhand: Largest reserves (about 88 billion tonnes), key areas like Jharia, Bokaro, and Raniganj. It's the top coal-producing state.
  • Chhattisgarh: Second largest (about 81 billion tonnes), with major mines like Gevra OC (world's largest open-cast mine), Kusmunda OC, and Dipka OC.
  • Odisha: Significant reserves, with mines like Bhubaneswari OCP and Talcher.
  • Other areas: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra have smaller deposits.
  • India produces about 900 million tonnes of coal yearly, but imports some due to high demand.

• Availability of Petroleum (Oil) Across India: India has limited oil reserves (about 600 million tonnes), producing around 30 million tonnes yearly but importing most of its needs.

• Major fields are in the northeast, west, and offshore:
  • Assam: Oldest oil region, with fields like Digboi (discovered in 1889), Naharkatiya, Moran, and Hugrijan. It's the main onshore producer in the east.
  • Gujarat: Onshore fields like Ankleshwar, Kalol, Ahmedabad, Nawgam, and Mehsana.
  • Offshore (Western Coast): Bombay High (or Mumbai High) is the largest, contributing 65% of India's oil, along with Bassein and Ratnagiri.
  • Other areas: Rajasthan (Barmer basin) and Andhra Pradesh have smaller fields. 
  • Offshore fields in the Arabian Sea are key for future production.
• Marking on a Map: Imagine a simple outline map of India (like in the textbook). Use dots or symbols:
  - Coal: Mark pink dots in the east-central region – Jharia and Bokaro (Jharkhand, near Dhanbad), Gevra and Kusmunda (Chhattisgarh, near Bilaspur), Talcher (Odisha). 
  - Petroleum (Oil): Mark yellow dots – Digboi and Naharkatiya (Assam, northeast), Mumbai High (offshore west, near Mumbai), Ankleshwar and Kalol (Gujarat, near Ahmedabad).
• Observations About Distribution: 
  - Uneven Spread: Coal is mostly in the eastern and central plateaus (like Chota Nagpur), while oil is in sedimentary basins in the northeast, Gujarat plains, and western offshore areas. No major deposits in the north (Himalayas) or south (Deccan Plateau except small ones).
  - Geographical Factors: Coal forms in ancient forests buried under earth, so it's in rocky, forested areas. Oil forms from sea creatures, so it's near coasts or old river deltas.
  - Concentration: About 80% of coal is in three states (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha); oil is 65% from one offshore field (Bombay High). This makes some regions rich but others dependent on transport.
• Types of Economic Activities Connected with Them:
• Coal:
  • Mining: Open-cast and underground mining provides jobs in places like Jharia.
  • Power Generation: Thermal power plants (e.g., in Singrauli) produce electricity for homes and industries.
  • Steel Production: Used in factories like Bokaro Steel Plant for making iron and steel.
  • Other: Exports, cement manufacturing, and railways for transport.
• Petroleum (Oil):
  • Exploration and Drilling: Offshore rigs in Mumbai High create high-tech jobs.
  • Refining: Refineries like in Digboi or Jamnagar process oil into petrol, diesel, and plastics.
  • Petrochemicals: Makes fertilizers, medicines, and plastics, supporting industries in Gujarat.
  • Transport and Energy: Fuels vehicles, generates power, and boosts trade through ports.

Q2. Discuss the implications of extracting the natural resources in those parts for current and future generations. Suggest ways in which we can use Nature’s gifts in responsible ways.
Ans: Implications for Current Generations:

• Positive: Creates jobs and economic growth – e.g., coal mining in Jharkhand employs lakhs of people, leading to towns with schools and hospitals. Oil extraction in Assam boosts local businesses like transport and refining.
• Negative: Pollution and health issues – Coal mining causes air pollution (dust and smoke) leading to lung diseases; oil spills in offshore areas harm marine life and fishermen. Displacement: People in Bailadila (iron ore, similar to coal areas) lose homes for mines, affecting tribal communities.
• Social Conflicts: In resource-rich areas like Chhattisgarh, mining leads to land disputes and loss of forests, impacting farming and water sources.

Implications for Future Generations:

• Depletion: Coal reserves may last only 50-100 years at current use; oil even less (India imports 80%). Future kids may face energy shortages, higher costs, and blackouts.
• Environmental Damage: Mining causes soil erosion and deforestation, leading to floods or droughts. Climate change from burning coal/oil worsens global warming, melting glaciers and affecting rivers.
• Inequality: If not managed, rich areas get benefits now, but poor management leaves polluted land unusable for farming or living later.
• Resource Curse: Like in the textbook, over-reliance on extraction slows other developments, leaving regions poor when resources run out.

Suggestions to Use Nature’s Gifts Responsibly:

• Sustainable Extraction: Limit mining to needs; use modern tech like clean coal (washing to reduce pollution) and restore land after mining by planting trees (afforestation).
• Shift to Renewables: Replace coal with solar/wind energy; e.g., build solar parks in Rajasthan instead of new coal plants. For oil, promote electric vehicles and biofuels from plants.
• Community Involvement: Involve locals in decisions; provide fair compensation for displaced people and jobs in green industries.
• Regulations and Monitoring: Enforce laws like the Environment Protection Act; use drones to check pollution in mines. Recycle water in oil fields to save groundwater.
• Education and Traditional Practices: Teach about Vrikshayurveda (ancient plant care) in schools; revive water harvesting in mining areas to recharge groundwater.
• International Cooperation: Learn from Sikkim's organic farming; invest in research for efficient use, like better batteries for solar storage.

Q3. Find out about such a conflict in the international context. Discuss your findings in the class. 
Ans: Selected International Conflict: The Nile River dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. (Similar to the Kaveri River sharing issue in India, but across countries.)

Details of the Conflict:

• Background: The Nile is the world's longest river, shared by 11 countries, but mainly Ethiopia (source in Blue Nile), Sudan, and Egypt (depends on it for 95% of water). Ethiopia built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in 2011 on the Blue Nile to generate electricity (over 6,000 MW) and boost development.
• Causes: Egypt fears the dam will reduce water flow, affecting farming, drinking water, and the Aswan Dam's power. Sudan worries about floods or shortages. Ethiopia says it's fair use for its poor population (no sea access, relies on rain).
• Recent Developments (as of 2025): Filling the dam started in 2020; by 2025, it's nearly full, causing tensions. In 2024-2025, talks failed, with Egypt threatening action. Climate change worsens scarcity with droughts. No war yet, but military buildup and UN involvement.
• Impacts: Could lead to food shortages in Egypt (population 110 million); Ethiopia gains power for industries. Affects fish, farming, and ecosystems.

The ‘Natural Resource Curse’

LET’S EXPLORE (Page 11)

Q. What do you think are the different inputs required to enable the use of the natural resources available in different geographical areas? 
Ans: 

• Technology: Special tools help us use resources safely. For oil at Mumbai High (offshore coast), we use strong drilling rigs to work in deep water. In the Himalayas, tough turbines turn river water into power for homes. In Rajasthan’s deserts, dust-proof solar panels catch sunlight for electricity. Each place needs the right tools for its weather and land!
• Human Skills: People with the right skills make it work. In Jharkhand’s coal mines, trained miners dig safely with special tools. In Punjab’s fields, farmers know how to water crops well. In forests, local experts help pick timber without harming nature. Different areas need different skills to use resources smartly.
• Capital: Money is needed to start things. For oil in Gujarat, we need cash for rigs and refineries. In Rajasthan, funds buy solar panels for energy. In Chhattisgarh’s coal mines, money pays for machines and workers. Every place needs money, but the amount changes with the land’s challenges.
• Infrastructure: Roads, ports, and wires connect resources to us. Ports in Mumbai ship oil from the sea. Roads in Madhya Pradesh’s forests carry timber. Power lines from Himalayan dams or Rajasthan’s solar farms bring electricity. Each area needs the right setup to move resources easily.
• Governance: Rules keep things fair and safe. In Odisha’s coal areas, laws stop too much pollution. In river-sharing places like Kaveri, plans help everyone get water. For rivers with other countries (e.g., Brahmaputra), agreements avoid fights. Rules change by place to protect nature and people.
• Environmental/Cultural: We care for nature and traditions. In Assam’s oil fields, checks stop water pollution. In Kerala’s sacred groves, we don’t cut trees due to beliefs. In Rajasthan, old ways like rainwater harvesting save water. Each area uses local care to keep nature happy for the future!