Resource and Development
1. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
(a) Intensive cultivation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Over irrigation
(d) Overgrazing
Answer: (c) Over irrigation
(ii) In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised?
(a) Punjab
(b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh
(c) Haryana
(d) Uttarakhand
Answer: (d) Uttarakhand
(iii) In which of the following states black soil is predominantly found?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Jharkhand
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
2. Short Answers (About 30 Words)
(i) Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.
Three states with black soil are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The main crop grown in black soil is cotton.
(ii) What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.
Alluvial soil is found in river deltas of the eastern coast. Its main features are: it is very fertile, suitable for agriculture, and well-drained with good moisture retention.
(iii) What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly areas?
Steps to control soil erosion in hilly areas include terrace farming, planting trees (afforestation), constructing retaining walls, and controlled grazing.
3. Long Answers (About 120 Words)
(i) Explain land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
India’s land use pattern is diverse. Major categories include net sown area (used for agriculture), forests, pastures, wasteland, and settlements. The net sown area is the largest, followed by forest area. Despite government efforts, the land under forests has not increased much since 1960-61. This is due to population growth, expansion of agricultural land, industrialization, and infrastructure development, which often require deforestation. Moreover, illegal logging, shifting cultivation, and urbanization contribute to slow growth in forest area. Afforestation and conservation programs exist, but their impact has not brought significant forest cover increases.
(ii) How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Technical and economic progress has led to more consumption of resources by enabling large-scale industrial production, infrastructure development, and increased use of automobiles, machinery, and advanced technology. Higher living standards and rising incomes have boosted demand for electricity, fuel, minerals, and consumer products. Modern agriculture uses chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, consuming more land and water. Urbanization, with its need for construction and services, further escalates resource use. As a result, natural resources are exploited rapidly, putting pressure on the environment and creating concerns about sustainability.