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Tag: NCERT Question Answers Class 10

  • Chapter 3: Water Resources, Class 10th, Geography, SST, NCERT

    Textbook Exercise Solutions

    Q.1: Multiple Choice Questions

    (i) Classify each situation:
    (a) Region with high annual rainfall → Not suffering from water scarcity
    (b) Region with high annual rainfall & large population → Suffering from water scarcity
    (c) Region with high annual rainfall but water polluted → Suffering from water scarcity
    (d) Region with low rainfall & low population → Not suffering from water scarcity

    (ii) Which is not an argument in favour of multipurpose projects?
    → (c) Multi-purpose projects lead to large scale displacements and loss of livelihood.

    (iii) Identify mistakes and rewrite:
    (a) Urban centres with dense populations have over-exploited, not properly utilised, water.
    (b) Regulating rivers does affect their natural flow and sediment flow.
    (c) In Rajasthan, rooftop rainwater harvesting has declined due to Indira Gandhi Canal.

    Q.2: Short Answer Questions (30 words)

    (i) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.
    → Water moves within the hydrological cycle, through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration. This cycle ensures continuous recharge of surface water and groundwater, making it a renewable resource.

    (ii) What is water scarcity and its main causes?
    → Water scarcity means lack of sufficient usable water. Causes include over-extraction, pollution, unequal access, population pressure, intensive agriculture, industries, urbanisation, and falling groundwater levels.

    (iii) Compare advantages & disadvantages of multipurpose projects.
    → Advantages: irrigation, electricity, flood control, water supply, navigation, fish breeding.
    Disadvantages: displacement of people, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, excessive sedimentation, soil salinity, water-borne diseases.

    Q.3: Long Answer Questions (120 words)

    (i) Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.
    → In semi-arid Rajasthan, people built underground tanks called tankas in houses to store rainwater. Sloping roofs connected by pipes led water to these tanks. The first rain cleaned the roof, and subsequent showers were collected. Tankas were reliable during summers when other sources dried up. Rainwater, locally called palar pani, was considered pure for drinking. Communities also built structures like khadins and johads, which stored rainwater in agricultural fields, keeping soil moist for cultivation. These traditional systems helped people survive in harsh, water-scarce environments and are examples of sustainable practices.

    (ii) Describe modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods.
    → Modern techniques adopt traditional wisdom with new designs. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is widely practised in urban and rural areas. Rainwater from roofs is collected through pipes, filtered, and stored in tanks or recharge wells. In Shillong, almost every house has rooftop harvesting due to water shortage despite heavy rainfall. Tamil Nadu has made rainwater harvesting compulsory by law. In Mysuru’s Gendathur village, every house harvests rain, storing about 50,000 litres annually. Bamboo drip irrigation in Meghalaya is another sustainable practice, delivering water drop by drop to crops. These methods help recharge groundwater, reduce dependence on dams, and ensure water security.

    Extra Questions

    Short Questions 

    1. What are multipurpose river projects?
      → Large dams built for several purposes—irrigation, hydropower, drinking water, flood control, navigation, and fish breeding. Example: Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, and Sardar Sarovar projects.

    2. Why is water scarcity increasing in cities?
      → Cities face scarcity due to overuse, groundwater depletion, pollution from industries and sewage, and rising population. Unplanned urbanisation has worsened the crisis.

    3. Explain bamboo drip irrigation.
      → In Meghalaya, bamboo pipes divert spring water to fields. The water flow reduces to drops at the plant roots. It saves water and is an eco-friendly, 200-year-old practice.

    4. Why are dams sometimes called “temples of modern India”?
      → Nehru called dams “temples of modern India” because they integrate agriculture, industry, and village economy, providing water, power, and development opportunities after independence.

    5. Give two reasons dams face criticism today.
      → (a) Submergence of forests and displacement of people.
      (b) Ecological problems like floods, earthquakes, and soil salinisation due to water logging.

    Long Answer Questions 

    1. What are the main causes of water scarcity in India?
    Water scarcity in India is not only due to low rainfall but also human factors. Rapid population growth increases demand for water in domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. Over-irrigation for water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane depletes groundwater. Industries use massive quantities of water and discharge polluted waste, making water unfit. Urbanisation increases demand while reducing recharge areas due to concrete surfaces. Pollution from pesticides and sewage worsens the quality of water. Unequal access means some groups suffer scarcity despite availability. Falling water tables across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan highlight the crisis. Thus, scarcity is caused by both natural and man-made factors.

    2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of multipurpose river projects?
    Multipurpose projects have many benefits: irrigation for agriculture, hydroelectricity generation, drinking water supply, flood control, navigation, and recreation. They help integrate regional economies and improve food security. However, they also cause displacement of people, submergence of forests, biodiversity loss, and cultural heritage destruction. Rivers’ natural flow is disrupted, affecting fish migration and sediment distribution. Floods have increased due to siltation of reservoirs. Waterlogging and soil salinisation reduce soil fertility. Social protests like Narmada Bachao Andolan arose due to large-scale displacement. Thus, while beneficial, these projects must be planned carefully with ecological and human costs in mind.

    3. Explain traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India.
    India has a rich tradition of rainwater harvesting suited to local geography. In Rajasthan, tankas, johads, and khadinsstored rainwater for drinking and farming. In Himachal and Uttarakhand, diversion channels called guls and kulssupplied water to fields. In Bengal, inundation channels managed floods and irrigated crops. In Meghalaya, bamboo drip irrigation carried water from springs to fields. Tamil Nadu developed temple tanks for storage. These methods used local materials and community participation, making them sustainable. They reflect people’s deep knowledge of ecology and continue to inspire modern water conservation.

    4. How has urbanisation contributed to water scarcity?
    Urbanisation increases water demand for domestic and industrial use. Most cities rely on groundwater, which is over-extracted through borewells. Concrete surfaces prevent recharge, causing falling water tables. Pollution from sewage and industries contaminates rivers and groundwater. In cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, tanker supply has become common due to depletion. Moreover, unequal distribution leaves slums without safe drinking water, while affluent colonies consume excessively. Thus, unplanned urbanisation has intensified water scarcity despite sufficient rainfall in many regions.

    5. Write a detailed note on rainwater harvesting in modern India.
    Rainwater harvesting is being revived as a sustainable solution. Rooftop harvesting is widely promoted—rainwater from roofs is filtered and stored in tanks or recharge wells. Tamil Nadu has made it legally compulsory for houses. In Shillong, rooftop systems meet 15–25% of household needs despite very high rainfall. In Mysuru’s Gendathur village, 200 houses harvest 50,000 litres each annually. In Rajasthan, some families still use traditional tankas despite canal water supply. Such methods reduce dependence on groundwater and large dams, recharge aquifers, and provide safe drinking water. Combining traditional wisdom with modern design makes water harvesting an effective strategy for sustainable development.

    MCQs with Answers

    1. What percentage of Earth’s surface is water? → ~71%

    2. Main source of usable freshwater? → Surface runoff & groundwater

    3. By 2025, how many people may face absolute water scarcity? → 2 billion

    4. Largest consumer of water in India? → Agriculture

    5. Which programme aims to provide piped water to rural households? → Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

    6. Which scheme addresses groundwater management in stressed areas? → Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)

    7. Who called dams “temples of modern India”? → Jawaharlal Nehru

    8. Example of multipurpose project in Sutluj-Beas basin? → Bhakra-Nangal Dam

    9. Which dam is built on Mahanadi? → Hirakud Dam

    10. Which dam is on Narmada River? → Sardar Sarovar Dam

    11. Which dispute involves Krishna-Godavari basin? → Karnataka & Andhra vs Maharashtra

    12. Traditional irrigation channels in Western Himalayas? → Guls/Kuls

    13. Rainwater harvesting tanks in Rajasthan? → Tankas

    14. Rainwater harvesting in Bengal? → Inundation channels

    15. Which state made rooftop harvesting compulsory? → Tamil Nadu

    16. Which city has 15–25% water from rooftop harvesting? → Shillong

    17. Bamboo drip irrigation is found in? → Meghalaya

    18. Which village in Mysuru adopted harvesting widely? → Gendathur

    19. Major disadvantage of dams? → Displacement of people

    20. Which project ensures “Har Khet ko Pani”? → PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

    21. What is palar pani? → Rainwater (considered pure in Rajasthan)

    22. Which dam is called River of Sorrow control project? → Damodar Valley Project

    23. Which factor worsens urban water scarcity? → Over-extraction of groundwater

    24. Which crop causes high water demand in Punjab? → Paddy

    25. Rooftop tanks in Rajasthan are declining due to? → Indira Gandhi Canal supply

    Projects / Activities

    1. Short Proposal on Water Conservation

    Proposal: In daily life, I will conserve water by turning off taps when not in use, fixing leaks, reusing water for gardening, and adopting bucket baths instead of showers. At school, I will spread awareness through posters and eco-clubs. At community level, rooftop rainwater harvesting and recharge pits should be installed. Farmers should adopt drip irrigation. These steps will save water for present and future generations.

    2. Traditional Method of Dams/Irrigation

    Example: Khadins in Rajasthan – fields with embankments that store rainwater and allow soil to retain moisture. This ancient technique supports crops even in arid areas.

    3. Collect Information on Flood-Prone Areas

    Flood-prone states: Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala. Causes: heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, poor drainage. Major rivers causing floods: Ganga, Brahmaputra, Kosi, and Mahanadi.

    4. Collect Information on Industrial Pollution of Water

    Industries like textiles, tanneries, paper, and chemicals release effluents into rivers. Example: Yamuna polluted near Delhi by sewage and factories; Ganga polluted by tanneries in Kanpur. Such discharge makes water unsafe.

    5. Enact a Water Dispute

    Class Activity: Students role-play Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra governments arguing over Krishna-Godavari water sharing. One side demands irrigation water, another protests reduced downstream flow, showing real challenges of inter-state disputes.

  • Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources, Class 10th, Geography, SST

    Textbook Exercise Solutions

    Q.1: Multiple Choice Questions

    (i) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation?
    → (d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries

    Q.2: Match the Following

    • Reserved forests → Forests are regarded as most valuable as far as the conservation of forest and wildlife resources.

    • Protected forests → Forest lands are protected from any further depletion.

    • Unclassed forests → Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.

    Q.3: Answer in about 30 words

    (i) What is biodiversity? Why is it important?
    → Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms—plants, animals, and microorganisms—in an area. It is important because it maintains ecological balance, provides food, medicine, raw materials, and ensures survival of humans.

    (ii) How have human activities affected depletion of flora and fauna?
    → Human activities like deforestation, mining, industrialisation, overgrazing, construction of dams, and illegal hunting have reduced natural habitats, endangered species, and led to loss of biodiversity.

    Q.4: Answer in about 120 words

    (i) Describe how communities have conserved and protected forests and wildlife in India.
    → Local communities play a crucial role in conservation. In Alwar, Rajasthan, villagers declared 1,200 hectares as Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’ and protected wildlife. The Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand resisted deforestation by hugging trees. In Odisha, the Joint Forest Management (JFM) programme involved villagers in protecting degraded forests in return for forest products. Sacred groves preserved by tribals, like in Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh, protect biodiversity. Bishnoi communities in Rajasthan protect blackbuck and peacocks. Farmers’ movements like Beej Bachao Andolan promote organic farming and conserve seed diversity. These examples show community-led conservation can be sustainable and effective.

    (ii) Write a note on good practices towards conserving forest and wildlife.
    → Good practices include government measures like the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), creation of national parks and sanctuaries, and projects like Project Tiger. Community practices such as Chipko Movement, Beej Bachao Andolan, and Navdanya promote biodiversity. Traditional beliefs—such as protecting sacred groves and trees—also help. Joint Forest Management (JFM) empowers villagers to restore degraded forests. Awareness campaigns, afforestation, bans on hunting, regulated grazing, eco-friendly farming, and using alternatives to wood also support conservation. Combining government laws with people’s participation is the best way forward for saving forests and wildlife.

    Extra Questions

    Short Questions

    1. What is Project Tiger?
      → Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aimed to protect tigers from extinction. It created tiger reserves like Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Sariska, and Sundarbans, reducing poaching and conserving tiger habitats.

    2. What are sacred groves?
      → Sacred groves are forest patches protected due to religious beliefs. Local communities forbid cutting or hunting there. Examples include Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya and Bishnoi villages in Rajasthan.

    3. What role do tribals play in conservation?
      → Tribals depend on forests for livelihood and worship trees and animals. Their traditional practices like preserving sacred groves and protecting species help conserve biodiversity.

    4. Why is community participation important in conservation?
      → Communities directly depend on forests. Their participation ensures protection of resources, prevents exploitation by outsiders, and creates sustainable use models that suit local needs.

    5. What is the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972)?
      → It is a law providing legal protection to endangered species, banning hunting, restricting trade in wildlife, and creating national parks, sanctuaries, and protected areas.

    Long Answer Questions

    1. Explain the importance of biodiversity for human life.
    Biodiversity is vital because it maintains balance in the ecosystem. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, regulating climate. Forests recharge groundwater, prevent soil erosion, and provide timber, fruits, and medicines. Animals help in pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining the food chain. Microorganisms recycle nutrients and purify soil and water. Humans depend on traditional crops and livestock for food security, which requires conserving genetic diversity. Loss of biodiversity leads to extinction of species, ecological imbalance, and threat to survival. Thus, conserving biodiversity ensures sustainable agriculture, climate stability, livelihood security, and survival of present and future generations.

    2. Discuss government measures for protecting forests and wildlife.
    The government has adopted various steps. The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) created a legal framework for protecting species and habitats. National parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries were set up across the country. Programmes like Project Tiger (1973) and initiatives for Asiatic lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses protect endangered animals. Forest laws regulate tree cutting, while afforestation programmes increase green cover. The government has also partnered with local communities through Joint Forest Management (1988). Awareness campaigns, eco-tourism, and school education promote conservation values. These steps show the state’s active role, though people’s cooperation remains equally important.

    3. Explain the role of communities in conserving forest and wildlife resources.
    Communities have deep cultural and economic connections with forests. The Chipko Movement showed how villagers resisted deforestation by hugging trees. In Alwar, Rajasthan, villagers declared their own wildlife sanctuary. Bishnoi tribes protect blackbuck and peacocks, treating them as sacred. Sacred groves in Meghalaya and Himachal preserve rare species. Farmers’ groups like Beej Bachao Andolan promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture. Joint Forest Management involves locals in forest protection. Such efforts combine livelihood needs with ecological responsibility. Without community participation, government measures alone cannot succeed, as people are the real custodians of nature.

    4. What are the main threats to forests and wildlife in India?
    Forests and wildlife face threats from deforestation, mining, industrialisation, expansion of agriculture, overgrazing, and construction of dams and highways. Poaching and illegal trade in skins, horns, and bones threaten species like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. Monoculture plantations reduce biodiversity. Climate change and forest fires worsen the situation. Rising population increases demand for fuelwood, timber, and land. Inadequate enforcement of conservation laws adds to the problem. These threats not only cause extinction of species but also disturb ecological balance. To address this, stricter protection, community involvement, and promotion of sustainable practices are essential.

    5. Write a detailed note on conservation movements in India.
    India has seen many conservation movements led by communities. The Chipko Movement in Uttarakhand resisted deforestation by embracing trees. The Bishnoi community in Rajasthan sacrificed lives to protect khejri trees and continues to safeguard blackbuck and peacocks. In Alwar, villagers created Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri by setting rules against hunting. Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya campaigns encouraged biodiversity-friendly farming and saved indigenous seeds. Sacred groves preserved by tribal communities across Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal conserve rare flora. Joint Forest Management (JFM) enables local communities to share benefits of forests while protecting them. These grassroots movements prove that people’s participation ensures more sustainable conservation than government action alone.

    MCQs with Answers

    1. When was the Wildlife Protection Act passed? → 1972

    2. Which year was Project Tiger launched? → 1973

    3. First national park of India? → Jim Corbett National Park

    4. Which community protects blackbuck in Rajasthan? → Bishnoi

    5. Sacred groves are mostly found in which state? → Meghalaya

    6. Largest area under permanent forest? → Madhya Pradesh

    7. What is biodiversity? → Variety of life forms

    8. Which movement resisted deforestation in Himalayas? → Chipko Movement

    9. Which programme involves villagers in forest protection? → Joint Forest Management (JFM)

    10. In which state was JFM first introduced? → Odisha (1988)

    11. What was tiger population in India in 1973? → 1,827

    12. Which sanctuary protects rhinos? → Kaziranga National Park

    13. Which forests are most valuable for conservation? → Reserved forests

    14. Which forests are protected from further depletion? → Protected forests

    15. Which forests are managed by communities or individuals? → Unclassed forests

    16. Asiatic lion is found in which sanctuary? → Gir National Park, Gujarat

    17. Which bird is endangered and found in Rajasthan? → Great Indian Bustard

    18. Which act banned hunting of many species? → Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

    19. Who led the Beej Bachao Andolan? → Sundarlal Bahuguna & local farmers

    20. Which tree is sacred to Santhal and Munda tribes? → Mahua/Kadamba

    21. Which organisation launched Navdanya movement? → Dr. Vandana Shiva

    22. Which animal is protected under Project Elephant? → Indian Elephant

    23. Which forests are also called permanent forest estates? → Reserved + Protected forests

    24. Which species is found in Himalayas and given protection? → Snow Leopard

    25. Which is the main objective of conservation? → Preserve biodiversity and ecological balance

    Projects / Activities

    1. Collect more information on wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India and cite their locations on a map.

    Example:

    • Kaziranga (Assam): One-horned rhinoceros

    • Gir (Gujarat): Asiatic lion

    • Sundarbans (West Bengal): Royal Bengal Tiger

    • Corbett (Uttarakhand): Tigers

    • Periyar (Kerala): Elephants
      (You can prepare a map and mark these locations in your project file.)

    2. Write a short essay on any practices you may have observed in your life that conserve the environment.

    Answer Example:
    In my daily life, I practice small conservation methods. At home, we separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, reuse plastic bottles, and compost kitchen waste. We switched to LED bulbs to save electricity and use a bucket instead of shower to save water. In school, we plant trees on Environment Day and ensure taps and fans are switched off after use. We also spread awareness about banning single-use plastics. Though small, these actions reduce pollution, save resources, and promote a healthier environment. Conservation starts with individuals, and together such practices can protect the planet.

  • Chapter 1: Resources and Development, Class 10th, Geography, SST

    Textbook Exercise Solutions

    Q.1: Multiple Choice Questions

    (i) Main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
    → (c) Over irrigation

    (ii) State with terrace cultivation?
    → (d) Uttarakhand

    (iii) State with predominant black soil?
    → (b) Maharashtra

    Q.2: Answer in about 30 words

    (i) Name three states having black soil and the crop mainly grown in it.
    → Black soil is found in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The main crop grown in it is cotton, hence it is also called black cotton soil.

    (ii) What type of soil is found in river deltas of eastern coast? Give features.
    → Alluvial soil is found in deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers. Features: (a) very fertile, (b) contains potash, phosphoric acid, and lime, (c) supports rice, sugarcane, and wheat.

    (iii) What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in hilly areas?
    → Soil erosion in hilly areas can be controlled by contour ploughing, terrace farming, planting shelter belts, afforestation, and avoiding deforestation and overgrazing.

    Q.3: Answer in about 120 words

    (i) Explain land use pattern in India and why land under forests has not increased much since 1960-61.
    → Land in India is used for agriculture, forestry, pasture, industries, and settlements. About 43% is plain (used for farming/industry), 30% is mountainous (forests, tourism), and 27% is plateau (minerals, forests). Despite policies, forest land has not increased significantly due to population pressure, expansion of agriculture, industrialisation, and urbanisation. Encroachment and deforestation for development projects also hindered growth of forest area.

    (ii) How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
    → Development in technology and economy has increased demand for resources. Advanced machinery, mining, industries, and irrigation systems exploit land, water, and minerals at a faster rate. Industrial growth and urbanisation cause deforestation and land degradation. Thus, instead of balanced use, resources are consumed excessively, causing ecological crises like pollution, global warming, and soil erosion.

    Projects and Activities – Chapter 1: Resources and Development

    1. Make a project showing consumption and conservation of resources in your locality.

    Project Report Example:
    In my locality, people consume resources like water, electricity, LPG, land, and trees. For example, water is used for drinking, washing, and irrigation; electricity for lighting and appliances; land for houses and farming. However, many resources are wasted—excess use of water, power theft, and cutting of trees without replanting.
    For conservation, our community has adopted rainwater harvesting, solar street lights, plantation drives, waste segregation, and composting. Students can also spread awareness through posters and campaigns.
    👉 This shows that if resources are used judiciously, both present and future generations can benefit.

    2. Have a discussion in the class – how to conserve various resources used in your school.

    Discussion Points for Class:

    • Electricity: Switch off fans and lights when not in use; use LED bulbs.

    • Water: Repair leaking taps; install water-saving taps; reuse water for gardening.

    • Paper: Use both sides of sheets; recycle notebooks; go digital where possible.

    • Food: Avoid wastage in canteen or lunch; compost leftover food.

    • Playground & greenery: Protect plants, do tree plantation drives.

    👉 Students can form an Eco-Club in school to monitor usage and create awareness.

    3. Imagine if oil supplies get exhausted, how will this affect our lifestyle?

    Answer:
    If oil supplies get exhausted, modern life will face a huge crisis. Transport systems (cars, buses, trains, airplanes) will stop, causing disruption in trade and daily travel. Industries dependent on petroleum for fuel and raw materials (plastics, fertilizers, chemicals) will collapse. Electricity generation in oil-based plants will halt. Everyday products like petrol, diesel, kerosene, and LPG will disappear, affecting households. People may need to shift to renewable alternatives like solar, wind, bio-gas, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel. Overall, life will slow down, costs will rise, and the economy will be forced to find eco-friendly solutions quickly.

    4. Solve the Puzzle (Word Search)

    Clues & Answers:

    (i) Natural endowments in the form of land, water, vegetation, and minerals → Resources
    (ii) A type of non-renewable resource → Minerals
    (iii) Soil with high water-retaining capacity → Black Soil
    (iv) Intensively leached soils of monsoon climate → Laterite Soil
    (v) Plantation of trees on a large scale to check soil erosion → Afforestation
    (vi) The Great Plains of India are made up of these soils → Alluvial Soil

    Extra Questions

    Short Answer Questions

    1. Define sustainable development.
      → Sustainable development means growth that meets present needs without harming the environment or compromising the needs of future generations. It balances economic progress with ecological protection.

    2. What is Agenda 21?
      → Agenda 21 was adopted at the Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro (1992). It aims to achieve sustainable development globally by combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through cooperation.

    3. Write two human activities responsible for land degradation.
      → (a) Deforestation due to mining and urbanisation, (b) Over-irrigation causing waterlogging and salinity, especially in Punjab and Haryana.

    4. What is contour ploughing?
      → Ploughing along the contour lines of a slope to reduce water runoff and soil erosion is called contour ploughing. It helps conserve soil in hilly areas.

    5. Give two features of laterite soil.
      → Laterite soil is acidic, deficient in nutrients, and prone to erosion. With proper soil conservation, it supports crops like tea, coffee, and cashew in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

    Long Answer Questions

    1. Explain the classification of resources on different bases.

    Resources can be classified in several useful ways depending on how we look at them. On the basis of origin, resources are either biotic (derived from living organisms — forests, animals, crops) or abiotic (non-living — minerals, water, air, land). On the basis of exhaustibility, they are renewable (replenished naturally—solar energy, forests, groundwater when managed) or non-renewable (finite — coal, petroleum, metallic minerals). By ownership, resources may be individual(owned by persons), community (commons used by local groups), national (owned by the state) or international (shared across borders, e.g., oceans, atmosphere). Finally, according to status of development, they can be potential (known to exist but not yet used), developed/stock (surveyed and in use), and reserves (part of developed resources that can be used with current technology). Each classification helps planners decide how to manage, conserve and allocate resources for sustainable development and equitable access.

    2. Describe the importance of resource planning in India.

    Resource planning is vital for India because of the country’s vast diversity in resource distribution, population pressure and differing levels of economic development across regions. Some states are resource-rich but economically backward due to lack of technology, infrastructure and institutions; others are resource-poor yet prosperous because of better industries and services. Effective resource planning involves surveying and inventorying resources, assessing their quality and quantity, matching resource plans to national development goals, and creating institutional and technological arrangements for utilisation. It helps reduce regional imbalances by directing investment and infrastructure where resources exist but remain underused. Planning also promotes sustainable use — preventing over-exploitation of water, forests and mineral wealth — and encourages adoption of appropriate technology, conservation measures and community participation. In short, resource planning turns natural endowments into productive assets in an equitable, efficient and environmentally sustainable manner, securing livelihoods and long-term national growth.

    3. Discuss major causes of land degradation and measures to control it.

    Land degradation arises from both natural processes and human actions. Major human causes include deforestation(removal of protective vegetation for timber, agriculture or mining), overgrazing (which strips vegetation and exposes soil), unsustainable agricultural practices (monocropping, excessive tillage, lack of soil cover), mining and quarrying(creates scars and dumps overburden), over-irrigation (causing waterlogging and salinisation), and urbanisation/industrial waste disposal (covering fertile land or polluting soil). Natural causes include floods, wind erosion in arid areas and heavy rainfall causing sheet and gully erosion. Control measures combine policy, technology and community action: afforestation and reforestation, contour ploughing and terracing on slopes, shelter belts and strip cropping to reduce wind speed, regulated grazing, rehabilitation of mined areas, improved irrigation management(drainage to prevent waterlogging), soil conservation structures (check dams, gully plugging) and treatment of industrial effluents. Community participation, legal protection, and integrating conservation into development planning are essential for lasting results.

    4. Explain types of soils in India with their characteristics and crops.

    India’s soils are varied due to differences in relief, climate, rock type and vegetation. Alluvial soils (northern plains and river deltas) are fertile mixes of sand, silt and clay; rich in potash and lime and ideal for paddy, wheat, sugarcane and pulses. Black (Regur) soils—derived from Deccan basalts—are clayey, moisture-retaining and rich in calcium and potash; they crack in summer and are excellent for cotton, also grown with sorghum and oilseeds. Red and yellow soils(Deccan, parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh) are formed by weathering of crystalline rocks, are low in humus and fertility but suitable for millets, pulses and groundnut with proper care. Laterite soils occur in high-rainfall tropical areas, are leached and acidic, and support tea, coffee, cashew and plantations after conservation. Arid soils (desert areas) are sandy, saline and low in organic matter; they support millets and, with irrigation, some cereals. Forest soils in hilly regions vary (loamy in valleys, coarse on slopes) and support horticulture and plantation crops. Appropriate management and fertilisation make many of these soils productive.

    5. Write a detailed note on soil erosion and conservation techniques.

    Soil erosion is the removal of the fertile topsoil by agents like water, wind and human activities. Types include gully erosion (deep channels cut by concentrated flow), sheet erosion (thin layers washed off widely), and wind erosion (loss of surface soil in arid, exposed areas). Causes are deforestation, overgrazing, improper ploughing (up and down slopes), removal of ground cover, construction and mining. Consequences include reduced soil fertility, lower agricultural yields, formation of ravines, sedimentation of rivers and increased flood risk. Conservation techniques aim to reduce runoff, retain soil and rebuild degraded lands: contour ploughing and terrace farming slow water flow on slopes; strip cropping and cover crops protect soil between harvests; shelter belts (rows of trees) break wind speed; afforestationstabilises slopes; check dams, gully plugs and bunds capture runoff; mulching, organic manuring and crop rotationimprove soil health; and controlled grazing prevents overuse of pastures. Watershed management, reclamation of saline/waterlogged soils and regulation of mining also play key roles. Combining engineering measures with community stewardship and sustainable farming practices ensures long-term soil conservation.

    MCQs with Answers

    1. Which soil is ideal for cotton cultivation?
      (a) Alluvial soil (b) Red soil (c) Black soil (d) Laterite soil
      → (c) Black soil

    2. Laterite soil is suitable for which crop?
      (a) Wheat (b) Cotton (c) Tea and Coffee (d) Rice
      → (c) Tea and Coffee

    3. Which soil is found in the northern plains?
      (a) Alluvial (b) Arid (c) Forest (d) Laterite
      → (a) Alluvial

    4. The process of resource planning includes:
      (a) Identification of resources (b) Matching plans with national development (c) Evolving planning structure (d) All of these
      → (d) All of these

    5. Which of the following is not a renewable resource?
      (a) Forest (b) Water (c) Coal (d) Wildlife
      → (c) Coal

    6. Which resource is found abundantly in Rajasthan?
      (a) Coal (b) Solar energy (c) Water (d) Forests
      → (b) Solar energy

    7. Which state is rich in water resources but lacks infrastructure?
      (a) Rajasthan (b) Arunachal Pradesh (c) Punjab (d) Gujarat
      → (b) Arunachal Pradesh

    8. Which soil develops deep cracks in summer?
      (a) Alluvial (b) Black (c) Laterite (d) Red
      → (b) Black

    9. Which soil is prone to erosion and leaching?
      (a) Alluvial (b) Laterite (c) Arid (d) Black
      → (b) Laterite

    10. Which is the most widely spread soil in India?
      → Alluvial soil

    11. The Rio Earth Summit was held in which year?
      → 1992

    12. The Brundtland Commission Report introduced the concept of:
      → Sustainable Development

    13. Arid soils are generally:
      → Sandy and saline

    14. The total geographical area of India is:
      → 3.28 million sq. km

    15. Percentage of plains in India:
      → 43%

    16. Forest area recommended by National Forest Policy (1952):
      → 33%

    17. Land under cultivation is highest in which states?
      → Punjab and Haryana

    18. Ravines are formed due to:
      → Gully erosion

    19. The soil profile consists of:
      → Top soil, subsoil, substratum, bedrock

    20. Shelter belts are used to:
      → Check wind erosion

    21. Land degradation due to overgrazing is common in:
      → Gujarat and Rajasthan

    22. Which report introduced “Our Common Future”?
      → Brundtland Report

    23. Which soil is loamy and silty in valleys and coarse in mountains?
      → Forest soil

    24. Which soil is rich in humus when under forests?
      → Laterite soil

    25. Which Gandhian idea is related to resource conservation?
      → “There is enough for everybody’s need, not for anybody’s greed.”