NCERT Class 10 Science Chapter 16 - Sustainable Development of Natural Resources

Chapter 16 Sustainable Development of Natural Resources

Intext Questions and Answers
Question 1: What changes can you make. in your habits to become more environment-friendly?
Answer: Some changes in my habits to become more environment friendly are:
• Segregating the waste into recyclable & non-recyclable.
• Repurposing items like broken cups or crockery that are cracked.
• Using energy efficient appliances.
• Walking instead of using vehicles to nearby shops.

Question 2: What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?
Answer: The advantage of exploiting resources with short term aims would be self-centred.
Over-consumption of resources with short-term aims would provide a boost to the economy. The present generation would be able to develop the economy much better.

Question 3: How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?
Answer: The advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources would satisfy the needs of present generation and conserve the resources for the benefit of the future generations. It would also ensure equitable distribution of resources.

Question 4: Why do you think that there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be working against equitable an equitable distribution of our resources?
Answer: There should be equitable distribution of resources so that all including poor, rich etc are able to satisfy their needs. This would also ensure that the resources are used in wise manner. The rich, powerful & greedy people could work against an equitable distribution of resources.

Question 5: Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer: We should conserve forests and wildlife as:
• They help in maintaining the ecological balance of that area.
• They provide us [human kind] with useful items like wood, rubber, resin etc.
• They purify the air, control flood and prevent soil erosion.
• They recreate scenic view for recreation.

Question 6: Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.
Answer: Some approaches towards the conservation of forests are:
• The principle of 3R's should be followed.
• All the stakeholders should be made a part of any conservation programme.
• Interests of local forest dwellers should always be kept in a mind while organising conservation programme.

Question 7: Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in your region.
Answer: Most of us live in cities, where is supplied by the municipal authorities. In the houses, systems of rainwater harvesting are installed which collect the water running off and channel it into a special pit created for the purpose. This helps to recharge ground water. Efforts are being made to collect run-off rainwater in soak pits. This water enriches underground water & can cause rise in water table level. Runoff water from roof tops can also be collected in trenches, specially made to enrich underground water table.

Question 8: Compare the above system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.
Answer:
• Water system in hilly regions:
i) Kulhs in states like Himachal Pradesh were traditional irrigation system in hilly areas. In this system the water flowing in the stream was diverted into man-made channels which took this water to numerous villages down the hillside.
ii) In Meghalaya, the water is brought down to the lower areas of hills through bamboo drains.

• Water system in plains:
i) Jhalaras were made in Rajasthan and Gujarat, essentially meant for community use and for religious rites.
ii) In some places, bawaries etc were made to supply water.

• Water system in plateau regions:
i) Bandharas are check dams or diversion which were build across a rivers. Such a traditional system was found in Maharashtra.
ii) In some regions, small pits were dug to collect water.

Question 9: Find out the source of water in your region/locality. Is water from this available to all people living in all that area?
Answer: The main source of water in our region is manjira water. Water after being treated is supplied to residents through a system of water pipes. The water system in that our area is made available to all the residents.




Exercise Question and Answers
Question 1: What changes would you suggest in to be your home in order environment-friendly?
Answer: Some changes that I would suggest in order to be environment-friendly are:
• Follow 3R's
• Reuse items that you're able to.
• Use natural resources judiciously.
• Separate wastes into recyclable and non-recyclable.

Question 2: Can you suggest in your some changes school which would make in environment friendly?
Answer: Following changes can be done to make my school more environment-friendly
• Plant more trees.
• Fix leaky taps
• Awareness about environment should be given to students by the teachers.
• Avoid wastage of a water

Question 3: We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests & wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?
Answer: The people living in & around forests and the Forest Department could be given the authority to manage the forest produce as the Forest department has sufficient power & resources that can manage the forest resource as well. The people, on the other hand, know about the forest products & use them only according to their needs. They use these forest resources in a way that doesn't damage the forest & their needs are satisfied. If the people living in & around the forest got the authority to manage forest resources, the forest resources would be used sustainably.

Question 4: How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of a) forest, and wildlife, b) water resources and. c) coal A petroleum?
Answer:
a) Forest and wildlife:
• Trees shouldn't be cut unnecessarity. If trees are cut for some new reason are then trees must be planted in their place.
• The wildlife should be protected & their illegal hunting should be prohibited.
b) Water resources:
• Protect water resources from being polluted.
• For the leaky pipes/taps. If there is any leakage in the water distribution system, then either repair it or inform concerned agency.

c) Coal & petroleum resources:
• Do not use electricity in vain.
• Use LPG or CNG.
• Public transport should be used instead of private vehicles. It saves petrol.

Question 5: What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?
Answer: We can do the following to reduce consumption of the various natural resources:
• Follow the principle of 3R'S.
• The devices based on renewable
• Sources of energy, ie, solar cells, solar etc. should be used.
• Using LED bulbs in your homes.

Question 6: List five things you have over the done last one week to
a) conserve our natural resources
b) increase the pressure on our natural resources
Answer:
a) The following are the things I did to save natural resources:
• used energy efficient electrical appliances.
• used less water by using bucket instead of taking shower.

b)
• used more paper for printing
• wasted some amount of food

Question 7: On the basis of the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incoporate in your lifestyle in a move towards sustainable use of our resources?
Answer: We would bring following changes in our lifestyle so that sustainable use of our natural resources can be encouraged.
• We should limit our personal & collective needs beyond laws, rules & regulations so that the benefit of development can be made available to all & future generations.
• Close tap when not in use.
• Turn off the lights, fans etc. in home, school or office when not in use.
• Make least use of polythene bags & these should not be thrown in garbage.