Class 10 Science


Management of Natural Resources

NCERT In Text Questions

Question 1: What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?

Answer: I will make following changes in my habit to become more environment-friendly:

Question 2: What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?

Answer: There would be no advantage of exploiting resources with short-term aims. The short-term aim at exploitation of natural resources may appear to be advantageous in the short term but they are highly disadvantageous in the long term. We may be able to enjoy the comforts of life but we would damage our environment in the process.

Question 3: How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?

Answer: A long term perspective in managing our resources would always be better than a short term perspective. A long term perspective helps us in protecting our environment and also in conserving our natural resources. This is an integral part of sustainable development. This will help us in ensuring that the future generations also get to enjoy the bounty of nature.

Question 4: Why do you think there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of our resources?

Answer: Everyone has equal rights over natural resources and everyone should get the benefits from them. Hence, equitable distribution of resources is important to ensure that everyone gets their benefit. Many forces go against the equitable distribution of natural resources. Geographical factors are the most important factors which do not allow equitable distribution of resources. Economy is another factor which prevents equitable distribution of resources.

Question 5: Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?

Answer: Forests and wildlife ensure a rich biodiversity on the earth. Loss of biodiversity leads to loss of ecological balance. Hence, we should conserve forests and wildlife.

Question 6: Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.

Answer: The principles of three Rs should be followed to conserve the forests. Moreover, all stakeholders should be made a part of any conservation programmes. Interests of local forest dwellers should always be kept in mind while chalking out a conservation programme.

Question 7: Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in your region.

Answer: In my state, ahar is the traditional water harvesting system. This system ensures groundwater recharge during rainy season and thus ensures around the year availability of drinking water in many villages.

Question 8: Compare the above system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.

Answer: At some places, rainwater is stored in huge tanks which are constructed in the basement of the house. This water is treated with disinfectants before use. This water proves helpful during lean seasons.

Question 9: Find out the source of water in your region/locality. Is water from this source available to all people living in that area?

Answer: In my town, the water supply from the municipality is highly erratic. Most of the households have installed handpump in their backyard. Some of the people use electric operated pumps to lift water. Majority of the people rely on manual labour to lift groundwater. Since it is a rain-fed area to water table is not very deep and installing a handpump is quite easy. Most of the people have good access to drinking water.