Assignment Questions:
Q.1 Why is resource planning considered essential for sustainable development, and what are the consequences of not planning for resources effectively? (2)
Q.2 What is the concept of sustainable economic development, and how does it relate to the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992? (2)
Q.3 What is Agenda 21? List its two principle. (Previously asked question) (3)
Q.4 ‘The issue of Sustainability is important for development.’ Examine the statement. (Previously asked question) (2)
Q.5 ”India is rich in certain types of resources and deficient in some others.” Support your answer with examples. (3)
Q.6 What does sustainability of development mean? How can sustainable development be achieved? (3)
Q.7 How can irrational consumption and over-utilization of resources lead to socio-economic and environmental problems? (2)
Q.8 What is the importance of resource planning in India? (2)
Q.9 What is the total geographical area of India, and why is complete land use data unavailable?
Q.10 How can we prevent soil erosion effectively in hilly regions? (3)
Q.11 What are the key components of the resource planning process in India, and why is it considered a complex undertaking?
Q.12 Why does the mere availability of resources fall short for a region’s development, and how do technology and institutional changes play a pivotal role in overcoming this limitation?
Answers:
Answer 1: Resource planning is crucial for sustainable development as it prevents resource depletion, promotes equitable distribution, and mitigates environmental crises. Ineffective planning can result in resource depletion, inequality, and global environmental issues such as global warming and pollution.
Answer 2: Sustainable economic development is the endeavor to achieve growth without causing harm to the environment or compromising the needs of future generations. This concept took center stage during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, where world leaders convened to tackle global environmental and socio-economic issues.
Answer 3: Agenda 21 is a global action plan established at the 1992 Earth Summit, focusing on two key principles:
- Integrated Approach: Acknowledging the interdependence of environmental and developmental challenges, it seeks comprehensive solutions for issues like poverty and environmental degradation.
- Participation and Partnership: Emphasizing active involvement from governments, organizations, and communities in collaborative efforts toward sustainable development. These principles guide Agenda 21’s efforts to address complex global challenges effectively.
Answer 4: Sustainability is vital for development as it ensures long-term progress while preserving resources. It fosters responsible growth, mitigating environmental harm, and securing a better future.
Answer 5: India is blessed with diverse resources. For instance, states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are abundant in coal and minerals. In contrast, Arunachal Pradesh has plentiful water resources. Rajasthan, on the other hand, possesses significant solar and wind energy potential but grapples with water scarcity. Meanwhile, Ladakh is culturally rich but lacks essential minerals and water resources. India’s resource diversity highlights the need for balanced planning to ensure equitable development.
Answer 6:
- Sustainability of development means ensuring progress while protecting the environment and meeting future needs.
- To achieve sustainable development, it’s vital to prioritize renewable over non-renewable resources.
- Additionally, shifting to clean, renewable energy sources is essential.
- Implementing eco-friendly practices in agriculture, industry, and urban planning can reduce environmental impact.
- Equitable resource distribution, poverty alleviation, and social inclusivity are crucial.
- Finally, global cooperation, conservation policies, and raising public awareness are key to sustainable development.
Answer 7: Using resources without care and using them too much can create big problems. When we use resources too quickly, they can run out, and this makes things more expensive, causing trouble for the economy. Also, using too many resources can hurt the environment. It can lead to things like cutting down too many trees, causing soil to wash away, and making the air and water dirty. All of these things are bad for people and nature.
Answer 8: Resource planning in India is vital as it involves identifying and managing resources effectively. It ensures optimal and sustainable resource utilization, contributing to economic growth. It also aligns resource development plans with national development goals, promoting balanced growth. Additionally, resource planning prevents resource depletion and environmental harm.
Answer 9: India encompasses a vast landmass, covering 3.28 million square kilometers. However, comprehensive land use data exists for only 93% of this extensive territory. This gap arises because land use reporting remains incomplete in the northeastern states, excluding Assam. Moreover, specific areas in Jammu and Kashmir, currently under the control of Pakistan and China, have not undergone surveying.
Answer 10:
- Terracing: Create step-like terraces on hillsides. These terraces slow down the flow of water, preventing soil from being washed away. They also provide a level surface for farming.
- Contour Farming: Adopt contour farming techniques by planting crops along the natural curves or contour lines of the land. This approach traps rainwater and stops it from rushing down the hill, reducing erosion.
- Afforestation: Plant trees and shrubs on slopes. These plants’ roots secure the soil, significantly reducing erosion. It’s best to use native trees with deep roots for this purpose.
Answer 11:
(i) Resource Identification and Categorization: This involves surveys, mapping, and qualitative/quantitative estimates to identify and categorize resources.
(ii) Establishment of a Planning Framework: A comprehensive planning structure needs to be established with the essential technology, skills, and institutions necessary for executing resource development plans.
(iii) Alignment of Resource Development Plans: Ensuring that resource development plans are in harmony with overarching national development goals. The complexity arises from the need for a thorough assessment, technological integration, and effective coordination among institutions.
Answer 12: Mere resource availability is insufficient for regional development. Technology and institutional changes are crucial to overcoming this limitation. While some resource-rich regions in India may be economically backward, technology and institutional changes enhance efficient resource utilization, fostering sustainable development and closing the gap between resource availability and economic progress.