Chapter 1 Resources And Development

Overview

This chapter introduces the concept of resources, defining them as anything available in the environment that can satisfy human needs, provided it is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable. It emphasizes that resources are not free gifts of nature but are created through human interaction with nature via technology and institutions. The chapter classifies resources based on origin, exhaustibility, ownership, and development status. It discusses the importance of resource planning for sustainable development and analyzes land use patterns and soil types in India, highlighting issues of land degradation and conservation measures.

Types Of Resources

Resources are classified based on several criteria:

• On the Basis of Origin:
  • Biotic: Obtained from the biosphere and having life (e.g., humans, flora, fauna, fisheries).
  • Abiotic: Composed of non-living things (e.g., rocks, metals).
• On the Basis of Exhaustibility:
  • Renewable: Can be renewed or reproduced through physical, chemical, or mechanical processes (e.g., solar energy, wind, water, forests). These can be continuous (flow) or replenishable.
  • Non-Renewable: Occur over long geological periods and are finite. Minerals and fossil fuels are examples. Some, like metals, are recyclable, while others, like fossil fuels, are exhaustible.
• On the Basis of Ownership:
  • Individual: Owned privately (e.g., land, houses).
  • Community Owned: Accessible to all members of a community (e.g., village ponds, grazing grounds).
  • National: Belonging to the nation, with legal powers for acquisition for public good (e.g., minerals, territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles).
  • International: Regulated by international institutions, with resources beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone belonging to the open ocean.
• On the Basis of Status of Development:
  • Potential: Found in a region but not yet utilized (e.g., wind and solar energy in Rajasthan and Gujarat).
  • Developed: Surveyed, quality and quantity determined, and utilized using technology.
  • Stock: Materials available in the environment but lacking appropriate technology for utilization (e.g., hydrogen as energy source).
  • Reserves: A subset of stock that can be utilized with existing technology but are conserved for future use (e.g., hydroelectric power potential in rivers).

Development Of Resources

Resources are vital for human survival and quality of life. Indiscriminate exploitation, driven by greed and accumulating resources in few hands, has led to problems like resource depletion, accumulation of wealth disparities, and ecological crises (global warming, ozone depletion, pollution). Sustainable development, which meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs, is essential for conserving resources and ensuring a better future.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development ensures that development happens without damaging the environment and without compromising the needs of future generations.

Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992

This summit brought together world leaders to address urgent environmental and socio-economic issues, endorsing global forest principles and adopting Agenda 21.

Agenda 21

A declaration adopted at the Rio Earth Summit, it is an action plan to achieve global sustainable development by combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through international cooperation.

Resource Planning

Resource planning is crucial for judicious resource use, especially in a diverse country like India, which has regional disparities in resource availability. Planning involves identifying and inventorying resources, developing technology and institutions for utilization, and aligning resource plans with national development goals. India has undertaken resource planning since its First Five Year Plan.

Land Resources

Land is a fundamental natural resource, supporting life and economic activities. Its use is determined by physical factors (topography, climate, soil) and human factors (population, technology, culture). India's land is diverse, with plains (43%) for agriculture/industry, mountains (30%) for water resources/tourism, and plateaus (27%) rich in minerals and forests. Land use includes forests, non-cultivable land, fallow land, and net sown area, with patterns varying significantly across states.

Land Utilisation

Land is used for forests, non-agricultural purposes (buildings, roads), other uncultivated land (pastures), fallow land, and net sown area. Efficient land use planning is vital due to limited land availability.

Land Use Pattern In India

The net sown area varies greatly by state, being high in Punjab and Haryana and low in northeastern states and islands. The forest cover in India is less than the desired 33% for ecological balance.

Land Degradation And Conservation Measures

Indiscriminate use of land through deforestation, over-grazing, mining, quarrying, intensive cultivation, and water logging leads to land degradation. Human activities and natural forces exacerbate this. Conservation methods include afforestation, proper grazing management, shelter belts, contour ploughing, terrace cultivation, and controlling industrial pollution.

Soil As A Resource

Soil is a vital renewable resource, supporting plant life and ecosystems. It forms over long periods through various natural processes. Indian soils are classified based on their characteristics:

• Alluvial Soils: Found in northern plains and coastal areas, highly fertile, ideal for various crops.
• Black Soils (Regur): Rich in clay, moisture-retentive, ideal for cotton cultivation, found mainly in the Deccan plateau.
• Red and Yellow Soils: Develop on rocks in low rainfall areas, reddish due to iron content.
• Laterite Soil: Forms under tropical/subtropical climates with heavy leaching, acidic, and often nutrient-poor but suitable for plantation crops like tea and cashew with proper management.
• Arid Soils: Sandy, saline soils found in dry regions, requiring irrigation for cultivation.
• Forest Soils: Found in hilly and mountainous areas, varying in texture, often acidic with low humus content in higher altitudes.

Soil Erosion, caused by human activities and natural forces, degrades land. Conservation measures like afforestation, contour ploughing, terrace farming, and shelter belts are crucial to protect this resource.