CBSE Class 10 Answered

Sustainable development is the prudent and judicious use of resources in such a way that even future generations are able to use it. It implies that development should take place without damaging the environment, and development in the present should not compromise with the needs of the future generations. Sustainable development is essential for economic development as we have limited quantity of resources. Firstly, the development and growth of the country will be hampered if the present limited resources are totally exhausted. Secondly, the exhaustion of natural resources will endanger the lives of humans and many species if we do not follow the principle of sustainable development. For example, if water is overutilised and wasted, then it will not be replenished by the rains. We need to keep the stock of natural resources for future use too. This concept stresses the role of the environment as capital that, if exhausted, cannot be replaced. It requires preservation of human capital, physical capital and natural capital.