Management of Natural Resources

CBSE Class 10 Science

NCERT Solutions
Chapter - 16
Management of Natural Resources

Page No. 269

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

Ans. (a) Plant one tree on every birthday.

(b) Stop using polythene bags.

(d) Take bus instead of personal vehicles.

(e) Use CFL in place of bulbs.

2. What would be the advantage of exploiting resources with short-term aims?

Ans. (a) It can meet the immediate needs of the masses.

(b) We shall be able to get industrial growth.

3. How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term prospective in managing our resources?

Ans. Exploitation of resources with short-term aims are beneficial for present day generation while managing with long-term perspective are on a sustainable basis and are aimed to fulfill the needs of future generations as well.

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

Ans. Natural resources are given to us given nature. All the individuals have equal right on these resources like air and water. Industrialists and some other rich persons are who are in power wants to grab all the resources. It is this section which is working against equitable distribution of energy.

Page No. 273

1. Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?

Ans. Forests present a wide biological diversity. They are essential for ecological diversity, to prevent floods and to influence rainfall. Forests help in protection of soil and in retaining sub-soil water.

2. Suggests some approaches towards the conservation of forests.

Ans. (a) Afforestation

(b) Check on indiscriminate cutting of trees.

(d) Check on over-grazing.

Page No. 276

1. Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in your region.

Ans. The traditional system of water conservation differs from region to region for example.

(a) Khadin, tanks and nadis in Rajasthan

(b) Bandharas and tals in Maharashtra

(d) Kattas in Karnataka

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

Ans. In hilly/mountainous areas mostly in Himachal Pradesh, kulhs are used to take water to several villages down the hillside. In largely level terrain, water harvesting structures are mainly crescent shaped earthen embankments or low straight concrete and rubble check dams built across seasonally flooded gullies. They are different from pits and ponds as they store running water.

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

Ans. In Delhi, the source of water in Yamuna. Water from this source is available mostly to all people in Delhi.

TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

1. What changes would you suggest in your home in order to be environment-friendly?

Ans. We shall follow the principle of three R’s

(i) Reduce: Use natural resources in limited quantity avoiding wastage.

(ii) Recycle: Recycle plastic, paper, glass and metal for further use.

(iii) Reuse: Envelops can be reversed for reuse.

2. Can you suggest some changes in your school which would make it environment friendly?

Ans. (a) Avoid unnecessary use of water coolers, heaters, fans and lights.

(b) Plantation of trees around the school

(d) Water harvesting.

(e) Storing separately, the articles that can be recycled.

3. We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produces? Why do you think so?

Ans. The local people who live in or around the forest area should have the authority to decide the management of forest produces. These people know various practices to use the resources in sustainable manner. These people have been using the forest and wild life resources since ancient times without harming or causing any damage to the environment.

4. How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of (a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources and (c) coal and petroleum?

Ans. As an individual

(a) (i) I will not allow cutting of trees.

(ii) I shall plant one tree every year and watch it growing.

(b) (i) I shall use water judiciously.

(ii) I shall immediately repair leaky taps

(ii) Every Sunday will be no car Sunday.

5. What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?

Ans. The following measures can be taken:

(a) Save electricity by switching off unnecessary lights and fan.

(b) Walk or cycle whenever possible.

(d) Do not wastes food

(e) Repair leaky taps at the earliest instant.

6. List five things you have done over the last one week to-

(a) Conserve our natural resources.

(b) Increase the pressure on our natural resources.

Ans. (i) not wasted electricity.

(ii) Planted a tree

(iii) Used cloth bag for shopping.

(iv) Not used my car and used public transport.

(b) (i) I forgot to switch off room light and television set when I was away for two days.

(ii) Water kept running when I brushed the teeth and when shaved my beard.

(iii) Household garbage was thrown on the roadside.

(iv) I mixed biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.

7. On the basis of the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incorporate in your lifestyle in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources?

Ans. I shall

(i) Minimize use of fossils fuels by pooling of car and use of public transport.

(ii) Recycle plastic, paper, glass etc.

(iii) Provide for water harvesting

(iv) Plant more trees.

(v) Use the principle of three R’s.

Management of Natural Resources - Solutions