Textbook - Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Questions in English

(N/A) To become more environment-friendly,we can adopt the following habits:
$1$. Switch off electrical appliances like lights and fans when not in use to conserve energy.
$2$. Avoid wasting water and food. Always close the tap tightly after use.
$3$. Practice the $3R$ principle: Reduce,Reuse,and Recycle.
$4$. Segregate waste properly. Dispose of plastic,paper,and glass in designated recycling bins instead of mixing them with biodegradable waste.
$5$. Avoid using single-use plastics,as they are non-biodegradable and cause soil and environmental pollution.
$6$. Dispose of waste safely in dustbins rather than littering in public places.

(D) Exploiting natural resources for short-term gains provides no significant long-term advantages.
Natural resources are finite and essential for the survival of both the present and future generations.
Focusing on short-term exploitation leads to the rapid depletion of these resources,causing environmental degradation and scarcity.
Sustainable management is necessary to ensure that resources are available for future generations,rather than exhausting them for immediate,temporary benefits.

(N/A) long-term perspective in managing our resources ensures that these resources remain available for future generations. This approach promotes the equitable and uniform distribution of resources among all people. Furthermore,it facilitates the conservation of natural resources over an extended period,rather than depleting them quickly as often happens with a short-term perspective.

(N/A) Equitable distribution of resources is essential because it ensures that every individual has access to the basic necessities of life,promoting social justice and reducing poverty.
It prevents the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few,thereby fostering sustainable development and social stability.
Forces working against equitable distribution include human greed,corruption,the influence of powerful lobbies,and the monopolization of resources by wealthy individuals or corporations.

(D) We should conserve forests and wildlife for the following reasons:
$1$. To preserve biodiversity (the variety of life-forms) and maintain ecological stability.
$2$. To protect the habitats of tribal communities who depend on forests for their livelihood.
$3$. To maintain the quality of soil,regulate water sources,and ensure consistent rainfall patterns.
$4$. Forests and wildlife are essential for the survival of human beings; without them,life would become impossible.

(N/A) Some approaches towards the conservation of forests are as follows:
$(a)$ People should show their participation in saving the forest by protesting against the cutting of trees. For example,$Chipko$ $Andolan$.
$(b)$ Planting of trees should be increased. The rate of afforestation must be higher than that of deforestation.
$(c)$ Some people cut precious trees such as $Chandan$ (Sandalwood) to earn money. The government should take strict legal steps to catch these wood smugglers.
$(d)$ The inhabitants of forests (tribal communities) must not be harassed by forest officials. Otherwise,this leads to clashes between tribal people and government officials,which can further increase insurgent activities in forest areas.

(N/A) Traditional systems of water harvesting are ancient techniques used to collect and store rainwater for future use. In many regions, common traditional systems include:
$1$. $Tanks$ (or $Tankas$): Small, underground structures used to store rainwater.
$2$. $Khadins$ and $Johads$: Structures designed to capture runoff water in arid regions.
$3$. $Bawris$ (or $Stepwells$): Deep wells with steps leading down to the water level.
$4$. $Eris$ (or $Tanks$): Large man-made reservoirs used for irrigation.
These systems are sustainable and help in recharging groundwater levels.

(B) In plains,the water harvesting structures typically consist of crescent-shaped earthen embankments or low,straight,concrete check dams to store water.
In hilly or mountainous regions,a traditional system of canal irrigation known as $Kulhs$ is used. This involves diverting the flow of a mountain stream into man-made channels that carry the water down the hillsides to the fields.

(N/A) The primary source of water in our region is groundwater,which is extracted through borewells and municipal supply systems.
Yes,water from this source is generally available to all people living in the area,although the accessibility and quantity may vary depending on the infrastructure and socio-economic factors.

(N/A) Changes that can be undertaken in our homes to be environment-friendly are listed below:
$(i)$ Switch off the electrical appliances when not in use.
$(ii)$ Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair the leaking taps.
$(iii)$ Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
$(iv)$ Construct composting pits.
$(v)$ Food items such as jam,pickles,etc.,come packed in plastic bottles. These bottles can later be used for storing things in the kitchen.

(N/A) Changes that can be undertaken in our schools to make them environment-friendly are listed below:
$(i)$ Electricity can be saved by switching off lights and fans when not required.
$(ii)$ Turn the taps off when not in use to prevent water wastage.
$(iii)$ Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be disposed of in separate bins to facilitate proper waste management and recycling.

(N/A) The forest department of the government should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce. This is because the forest department acts as the custodian of forest land and is responsible for its protection,conservation,and sustainable management,ensuring that resources are not exploited for short-term gains at the cost of long-term ecological balance.

(D) As an individual,one can contribute to the management of forests and wildlife in the following ways:
$(i)$ We should protest against the cutting of trees (deforestation) and actively participate in afforestation programs.
$(ii)$ We should protest against the poaching of wild animals and report illegal activities to the authorities.
$(iii)$ We should reduce our dependence on forest-based products and stop the encroachment or annexation of forest land for personal or commercial use.
$(iv)$ We should spread awareness about the importance of biodiversity and conservation among our peers and community.

(C) As an individual,one can contribute to the management of water resources in the following ways:
$(i)$ Turn off the taps while brushing or bathing and repair leaking taps to prevent wastage.
$(ii)$ Practice rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater levels.
$(iii)$ Avoid the discharge of sewage,industrial effluents,and other wastes into rivers and other water bodies to prevent pollution.

(N/A) Coal and petroleum are non-renewable fossil fuels. As an individual,we can contribute to their conservation through the following ways:
$(i)$ Use public transport like buses or practice carpooling to reduce the consumption of petroleum.
$(ii)$ Avoid using coal as a domestic fuel in stoves or angithis.
$(iii)$ Shift towards alternative and renewable sources of energy,such as solar energy,wind energy,and hydroelectric energy,to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

(N/A) Natural resources such as water,forests,coal,and petroleum are essential for human survival. As an individual,we can adopt the following measures to reduce their consumption:
$(i)$ Prevent deforestation and promote afforestation.
$(ii)$ Use recycled paper to reduce the demand for wood pulp.
$(iii)$ Conserve water by fixing leaks and avoiding wastage.
$(iv)$ Implement rainwater harvesting techniques.
$(v)$ Use public transport or carpooling to reduce the consumption of petroleum-based fuels.
$(vi)$ Switch to renewable energy sources like solar energy and wind energy instead of fossil fuels.

(N/A) To conserve our natural resources:
$(i)$ Travel by a $CNG$ bus for long distances and walk for short distances.
$(ii)$ Use recycled paper.
$(iii)$ Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
$(iv)$ Plant trees.
$(v)$ Harvest rainwater.

(N/A) To increase the pressure on our natural resources:
$(i)$ Use non-renewable sources of energy like petrol or coal.
$(ii)$ Waste water while brushing teeth or bathing.
$(iii)$ Keep lights and fans switched on when not in use,leading to wastage of electricity.
$(iv)$ Use single-use plastics and polythene bags for carrying goods.
$(v)$ Use private vehicles for short distances instead of walking or cycling.

(N/A) One should incorporate the following changes in lifestyle to move towards a sustainable use of our resources:
$(i)$ Stop cutting trees and practice planting trees.
$(ii)$ Stop using plastic and polythene bags for carrying goods.
$(iii)$ Use recycled paper.
$(iv)$ Dispose of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in separate bins.
$(v)$ Minimize water wastage and repair leaking taps.
$(vi)$ Practice rainwater harvesting.
$(vii)$ Avoid using vehicles for short distances; walk or cycle instead. For long distances, use public transport like buses instead of personal vehicles.
$(viii)$ Switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
$(ix)$ Use fluorescent tubes or $LED$ bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs to save electricity.
$(x)$ Take the stairs instead of using lifts.
$(xi)$ During winters, wear extra clothing instead of using electric heaters.