Resources and Development

Resources are anything available in our environment that can satisfy our needs, provided they are technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable. Examples include water, minerals, and forests.

Resources can be biotic (living, like forests) or abiotic (non-living, like minerals). This classification helps in understanding their availability and sustainability.

Renewable resources can be replenished (solar energy), while non-renewable ones cannot (coal). Overuse of non-renewables leads to depletion.

Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. It balances economic growth with environmental protection.

Resource planning ensures equitable distribution and sustainable use. It involves identifying, inventorying, and developing resources with appropriate technology.

The Summit addressed global environmental issues, leading to Agenda 21, a blueprint for sustainable development, emphasizing local and global cooperation.

Agenda 21 is a global action plan for sustainable development, focusing on combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through cooperation.

India's land use includes forests, agriculture, and non-agricultural uses. Factors like climate, soil, and population density influence this pattern.

Deforestation, overgrazing, mining, and improper irrigation lead to land degradation, affecting soil fertility and biodiversity.

Contour ploughing, terrace farming, and afforestation are effective against soil erosion, preserving soil fertility and preventing landslides.

Found in northern plains, alluvial soil is fertile, rich in potash and lime, ideal for crops like wheat and sugarcane.

Black soil, high in clay, retains moisture and is perfect for cotton. It's found in Deccan plateau regions like Maharashtra.

Developed in low rainfall areas on igneous rocks, these soils are rich in iron oxide, giving them a reddish or yellow hue.

Formed in wet climates, laterite is rich in iron but poor in nutrients. It's used for tea and coffee plantations after treatment.

Found in deserts, arid soils are sandy and saline, requiring irrigation for cultivation, as seen in parts of Rajasthan.

Forest soils, found in hilly areas, support diverse flora and fauna. They vary in texture and are crucial for ecological balance.

Over-irrigation leads to waterlogging and salinity, degrading soil quality, as observed in Punjab and Haryana.

Technology enables efficient resource use and conservation, transforming materials into valuable resources and reducing waste.

Gandhiji advocated for sustainable use, opposing mass exploitation, emphasizing 'enough for everyone's need, not greed'.

Shelter belts, strip cropping, and afforestation are key techniques to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.