Class 10 Geo Ch 1 – Resources and Development
NCERT CLASS 10 GEOGRAPHY • DETAILED SOLUTIONS • CHAPTER 1 • RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Resources and Development

Detailed Explanations & Map Work

Short Answer Questions
Question 1
Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.
States: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Crop: Black soil is ideal for growing Cotton. It is also known as Regur soil or Black Cotton soil.
Question 2
What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.
Type: Alluvial Soil.
Features:
  • Fertility: It is highly fertile and ideal for the growth of sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and pulses.
  • Composition: It consists of various proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
  • Nutrients: It is rich in potash, phosphoric acid, and lime.
Question 3
What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
  • Terrace Farming: Cutting out steps on the slopes to reduce the speed of flowing water. (Common in Western and Central Himalayas).
  • Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines to decelerate the flow of water down the slopes.
  • Strip Cropping: Large fields are divided into strips, and grass is left to grow between the crops to break up the force of the wind.
Question 4
What are the biotic and abiotic resources? Give some examples.
Biotic Resources: These are obtained from the biosphere and have life.
Examples: Human beings, flora and fauna, fisheries, livestock.
Abiotic Resources: All those things which are composed of non-living things are called abiotic resources.
Examples: Rocks, metals, land, water.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1
Explain the land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
Land Use Pattern:
The use of land is determined by physical factors (topography, soil, climate) and human factors (population density, technology). In India, about 54% of land is under cultivation (Net Sown Area + Fallow Land).
Low Forest Increase:
Forest area has increased marginally from 18.11% in 1960-61 to about 24% today, which is still below the desired 33% outlined in the National Forest Policy (1952).
  • Expansion of Agriculture: Large areas of forest were cleared for agricultural expansion to feed the growing population.
  • Development Projects: Large-scale infrastructure projects (dams, roads) and mining have led to deforestation.
  • Urbanization: Rapid industrialization and urbanization increased the demand for land for housing and factories, encroaching on forest land.
Question 2
How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Technical and economic development leads to over-consumption through several mechanisms:
  • Exploitation Capacity: Technology provides the sophisticated equipment needed to exploit resources that were previously inaccessible (e.g., deep-sea drilling, advanced mining).
  • Consumerism: Economic development raises the standard of living. As people become wealthier, their needs and wants increase, leading to higher consumption of energy, water, and material goods.
  • Urbanization: Development leads to urbanization. Cities consume significantly more resources (electricity, construction materials) per capita than rural areas.
  • Obsolescence: Modern technology encourages a “use and throw” culture where goods are replaced frequently (e.g., electronics), leading to massive resource waste.
Discuss & Key Concepts
Concept 1
Sustainable Development & Rio de Janeiro Summit (1992)
Sustainable Development: Development should take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present should not compromise the needs of future generations.
Rio Earth Summit (1992):
  • Held in Brazil, attended by over 100 heads of state.
  • Agenda 21: A declaration signed to combat environmental damage, poverty, and disease through global co-operation.
  • Goal: Every local government should draw its own local Agenda 21 to achieve sustainable development.
Concept 2
Resource Planning in India
India has enormous diversity in the availability of resources. Some states are rich in minerals but lack infrastructure (Jharkhand), while others have abundant water but lack minerals (Arunachal Pradesh). This calls for Resource Planning:
  • Identification: Surveying, mapping, and qualitative/quantitative estimation of resources.
  • Planning Structure: Evolving a planning structure with appropriate technology, skill, and institutional set-up.
  • Matching Plans: Matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans (Five Year Plans).
Concept 3
Soil Classification Summary
  • Alluvial Soil: Most widespread. Deposited by Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra. Good for wheat/paddy.
  • Black Soil (Regur): Black in color. Clayey material. Holds moisture well. Found in Deccan trap (Basalt) region. Best for cotton.
  • Red and Yellow Soil: Develops on crystalline igneous rocks in low rainfall areas (Odisha, Chhattisgarh). Red due to iron diffusion.
  • Laterite Soil: Develops in high temperature and heavy rainfall areas (leaching). Low humus content. Good for tea/coffee/cashew.
  • Arid Soil: Sandy and saline. Lacks humus and moisture. Found in Rajasthan.
[Image of India soil types map]
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