Lesson: Management of Natural Resources

Question: 1

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

Solution:

We can make the following changes in our habits to be more eco-friendly:

(a) Switch off electrical appliances when not in use

(b) Recycle and reuse wastes

(c) Make compost pits

(d) Turn off tap when water is not in use

(e) Use unleaded petrol in vehicles

(f) Use public transport as much as possible

Question: 2

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

Solution:

We can suggest the following changes in our school to be more environment-friendly.

(a) Avoiding wastage of water, electricity and food

(b) Recycling and reusing wastes

(c) Using unleaded petrol in vehicles

(d) Using public transport as much as possible

Question: 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 produce?

Why do you think so?

Solution:

The forest department of the government owns the land and controls the resources from forests. The government also represents the people of the country. So, ideally the forest department in consultation with other stake holders should decide the management of the forest produces.

Question: 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

Solution:

(a) Forest and wildlife: We can make a difference to the management of forests and wildlife by protesting against cutting of trees, poaching of wild animals and encroachment of forest lands, reducing the use of products developed from forest and wild life and planting more trees.

(b) Water resources: We can make a difference to the management by avoiding wastage of water, preserving water by rainwater harvesting, avoiding the discharge of sewage and other wastes into rivers and other water resources.

(c) Coal and petroleum: We can make a difference to the management by
using public transport for commuting, reducing the use of coal as a fuel, using alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy.

Question: 5

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

Solution:

Water, air, forests, land, etc. are the natural resources available to us. Each one of us can play an important role in conserving our natural resources. One of the effective ways to conserve our resources would be to reduce to use of resources as much as possible. As an individual, I can:

(a) Plant more trees

(b) Use public transport as much as possible

(c) Promote rainwater harvesting

(d) Use water judiciously and avoid its wastage

(e) Use more renewable resources like wind energy, solar energy, etc.

Question: 6

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

Solution:

Following changes can be made to use our resources efficiently:

(a) Practice rain water harvesting, tree plantation.

(b) Avoid wastage of resources like electricity, water, food.

(c) Use disposable bags rather than non-biodegradable bags.

(d) Use recycled paper.

(e) Use more of public transport for journey.

(f) Use stairs, avoid using lifts.

(g) Avoid using room heaters during winter; rather use extra woollen clothes.