Resource Development – Long Answer Questions
Medium (Application & Explanation)
1. Why is the development of resources necessary in a country like India? Explain with reasons.
Answer:
- Resources are unevenly distributed. Some regions have more, some have less.
- This creates economic disparities between people and regions.
- Overuse leads to depletion and environmental degradation.
- Development ensures wise and efficient use of resources.
- It supports industrialization, employment, and growth.
- It promotes sustainability so that future generations also benefit.
- It helps maintain ecological balance and long-term welfare.
2. Describe the stages of resource development with suitable examples.
Answer:
- First is Identification and Survey. We find the location, quantity, and quality.
- Example: Geological surveys to locate mineral ores.
- Second is Planning and Utilization. We plan extraction and use without damage.
- Example: Planned irrigation to avoid waterlogging and salinity.
- Third is Conservation and Management. We ensure sustainable use.
- Example: Afforestation and renewable energy adoption.
- All stages focus on efficiency, safety, and future needs.
3. What problems arise when resources are undeveloped or mismanaged? Explain.
Answer:
- Overuse causes depletion of coal, petroleum, and water.
- Nature suffers deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution.
- Regions grow at different speeds, causing economic disparities.
- Poor planning harms local communities and livelihoods.
- Ecosystems weaken and biodiversity declines.
- It disrupts agriculture, industry, and public health.
- Long-term costs become higher than short-term gains.
4. Explain the idea of sustainable development in resource management. How does it help?
Answer:
- Sustainable development means meeting needs without harming the future.
- It promotes resource conservation and careful use.
- It uses eco-friendly technologies to cut damage.
- It ensures equitable distribution across people and regions.
- It reduces pollution and improves quality of life.
- It supports renewable energy and afforestation.
- It balances economic growth with environmental protection.
5. What were the main outcomes and significance of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit (1992)?
Answer:
- It addressed global environmental issues with world leaders.
- It promoted sustainable development as a global goal.
- Key outcomes were Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration (27 principles).
- It led to CBD (biodiversity) and UNFCCC (climate change).
- It introduced Forest Principles for sustainable forests.
- It was a turning point for international cooperation.
- It shaped later deals like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-based)
6. A mineral-rich district plans rapid mining without proper planning. As a planner, suggest a sustainable resource development plan.
Answer:
- Start with Identification and Survey to assess quantity and quality.
- Do environmental impact assessments before any extraction.
- Use Planning and Utilization to limit mining to safe zones.
- Adopt clean technologies to reduce pollution and waste.
- Restore sites with afforestation and land reclamation.
- Ensure community participation and fair employment.
- Set up monitoring for air, water, and soil at all stages.
7. One region has surplus water but weak industry; another has strong industry but water scarcity. Propose a balanced development strategy.
Answer:
- Promote equitable distribution through regional planning.
- Build sustainable water management in the industrial region.
- Use rainwater harvesting and recycling in factories.
- Develop eco-friendly industries in the water-rich region.
- Prevent overuse with planned irrigation and drip systems.
- Encourage renewable energy to cut resource pressure.
- Involve local governments under Local Agenda 21.
8. “Mismanaged resources harm both the economy and the environment.” Do you agree? Justify with examples and solutions.
Answer:
- Yes. Deforestation causes soil erosion and reduces farm output.
- Overuse of fossil fuels leads to depletion and pollution.
- Water over-extraction lowers groundwater and hits livelihoods.
- Economic gaps widen due to unequal distribution.
- Solutions: Afforestation, renewable energy, and waste reduction.
- Follow Agenda 21 for public participation and local action.
- Plan sustainable extraction with strict monitoring.
9. Your city wants to implement “Local Agenda 21.” Suggest a step-by-step plan with focus areas.
Answer:
- Start with resource mapping and a baseline survey.
- Set clear goals for water, energy, waste, and green cover.
- Build public participation with NGOs, schools, and RWAs.
- Promote waste segregation, recycling, and composting.
- Expand renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- Increase tree plantation and protect urban biodiversity.
- Review progress with annual audits and transparent reporting.
10. How do global agreements like UNFCCC and CBD influence national resource management? Explain with links to sustainable development.
Answer:
- UNFCCC pushes countries to cut emissions and adopt clean energy.
- It encourages renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- CBD asks nations to conserve biodiversity and use it sustainably.
- Policies then support afforestation and habitat protection.
- Both align with Agenda 21 and equitable resource use.
- They connect economic growth with environmental safeguards.
- They guide long-term planning for sustainable development.