Chapter 16: Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Answer: (i) Use CFL/LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. (ii) Minimise use of plastic bags; use cloth/jute bags. (iii) Segregate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. (iv) Compost kitchen waste. (v) Turn off lights and fans when not in use.

Answer: (i) Rainwater harvesting. (ii) Planting more trees. (iii) Using solar panels for water heating. (iv) Reducing paper use by digital communication. (v) Recycling bins for paper, plastic. (vi) Awareness campaigns.

Answer: The local people (stakeholders living in and around forests) should have authority. They are directly dependent on forests and have traditional knowledge for sustainable use. Their participation ensures conservation and livelihood.

Answer: (a) Forests: avoid products that cause deforestation, support afforestation. (b) Water: conserve water, repair leaks, reuse water. (c) Coal & petroleum: use public transport, switch off lights, use renewable energy.

Answer: Reduce, reuse, recycle. Minimise plastic, save electricity, plant trees, use public transport, avoid wastage of water and food.

Answer: Short-term exploitation provides quick economic gains but leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and long-term scarcity. There are no real advantages for sustainability.

Answer: Long-term perspective ensures sustainability, intergenerational equity, and ecological balance. It conserves resources for future generations, reduces pollution, and maintains biodiversity.

Answer: Equitable distribution ensures basic needs for all and reduces conflicts. Forces against it: greed, corruption, economic inequality, unequal power structures, and lack of awareness.

Answer: Forests provide oxygen, regulate climate, prevent soil erosion, and are home to biodiversity. Wildlife maintains ecological balance. Loss leads to extinction and ecological instability.

Answer: Afforestation, controlled deforestation, involving local communities (JFM), banning poaching, establishing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, and using alternative sources of timber.

Answer: Students should research locally. Examples: stepwells (Rajasthan), kunds, bawris, tankas, check dams, and rooftop rainwater harvesting in rural/urban areas.

Answer: Hilly areas: channel water through small canals (kuls) or use bamboo pipes. Plains: wells, tube wells, canals. Plateau: check dams, tanks, and reservoirs.

Answer: Groundwater is less prone to evaporation, less polluted naturally, widely available, and recharged by rain. It can be drawn as needed and supports irrigation and drinking water supply.

Answer: Water is scarce and unevenly distributed. Demand is rising due to population growth, agriculture, and industry. Proper management ensures availability, prevents wastage, and avoids conflicts.

Answer: They are cost-effective, locally adaptable, eco-friendly, and preserve groundwater. They also have cultural significance and work in harmony with local climate.

Answer: Use energy-efficient appliances, reduce plastic, compost organic waste, use public transport, plant trees, avoid bottled water, and switch off unused electronics.

Answer: Students to investigate locally – e.g., river, well, borewell, tap water. Discuss equity – often not equally available due to infrastructure or economic factors.

Answer: Stakeholders are individuals or groups with an interest in a resource. Four: (i) local people living near forests, (ii) the Forest Department, (iii) industrialists using forest products, (iv) wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Answer: Reduce – consume less, avoid wastage. Reuse – use items again (e.g., glass bottles). Recycle – convert waste into new products (e.g., paper, plastic).

Answer: A forest conservation movement in 1970s where villagers hugged trees to prevent logging. It highlighted community participation in resource conservation.