Class 10 NCERT Solutions Biology Chapter 16 - Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

We can be ecofriendly by following these simple rules:

(a) By using the principle of 3R's i.e. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

(b) By putting off unnecessary lights and fans.

(c)  By using unleaded petrol in vehicles.

(d) By using local transport like buses or train.

Concept insight: Management of Natural Resources

If resources are exploited with short-term aims it will be very beneficial for the present generation as it will help in growth of economy at a faster rate.
But it will deprive future generations from the benefits of these resources as they are exhaustible.

Concept insight: Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.

If resources are used in accordance with short term aims, present generation will be able to utilize the resources properly for growth and development.
But, if we use resources with long term aims, future generation will also be able to utilize resources for fulfilling its needs.
Thus, it would be better to use our natural resources with a long term perspective so that it could be used by the present generation as well as conserved for future use.

Concept insight: List the importance of conservation of natural resources.

There should be equitable distribution of resources so that all countries would be able to fulfill their needs and grow properly.

Forces working against equitable distribution of resources are:

i. Land form.

ii. Climate

iii. Distribution of rainfall.

iv. Type of soil.

Concept insight: Recall the factors that affect the equitable distribution of resources.

It is necessary to conserve forests and wildlife as it conserves the biodiversity which we have inherited. 

Concept insight: Recall importance of conservation of forests.

Following measures are taken to conserve forests:

i. Conversion of forests into national parks, sanctuaries. 
ii. To take help from local people in conserving forests.
iii. We should not allow the destruction of forests for making roads, dams and hotels etc.
iv. Planting more trees.

Concept insight: List the methods of conservation of forests.

The traditional systems of water harvesting used in our region are tanks, wells and tube wells.

Concept insight: Recall various traditional methods of water harvesting.

In plains, the water harvesting structures are crescent-shaped earthen embankments. These are low, straight, and concrete.
In hilly regions, the system of canal irrigation called Kulhs is used for water harvesting. This involves a collection of rain water in a stream, which is then diverted into man- made channels down the hill sides.

Concept insight: Recall various traditional methods of water harvesting.

The source of water in our region is ground water. It is available to all the people living in that area.
Water is also supplied in our area by the Municipal Corporation.

Concept insight: Recall various sources of potable water.

Changes that can be undertaken in our homes to be environment-friendly are listed below:
(i) Switch off the electrical appliances when not in use.
(ii) Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair the leaking taps.
(iii) Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
(iv) Construct composting pits.
(v) Food items such as jam, pickles, etc., come packed in plastic bottles. These bottles can later be used for storing things in the kitchen.

Concept insight: Recall various methods to save the environment.

Changes that can be undertaken in our school to make it environment friendly are listed below:
(i) Electricity can be saved by switching off lights and fans when not required.
(ii) Turn the taps off when not in use.
(iii) Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be thrown into separate bins.
(iv) Planting trees.

Concept insight: Recall various methods to save the environment.

The forest department of the government should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce. 
This is because the forest department is the care taker of the forest land and is responsible for any damage to the forest.

Concept insight: Various types of stakeholders and their role in forest conservation.

(a) Forest and wildlife:
(i) We should protest against the cutting of trees (deforestation).
(ii) We should protest against the poaching of wild animals.
(iii) We should stop the annexation of forest land for our use.

(b) Water resources:
(i) Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair leaking taps.
(ii) We should practice rainwater harvesting.
(iii) We should avoid the discharge of sewage and other wastes into rivers and other water resources.

(c) Coal and petroleum:
(i) We should take a bus or practice car pooling to avoid excessive use of petroleum.
(ii) We should stop using coal as a fuel (angithis).
(iii)We should use alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy instead of depending largely on coal and petroleum.

Concept insight: Recall various methods of conservation of natural resources.

Natural resources such as water, forests, coal and petroleum, etc. are important for the survival of human beings. The ways in which we can reduce the consumption of various natural resources are as follows:
(i) We should stop the cutting of trees (deforestation).
(ii) We should use recycled paper to reduce the cutting down of trees.
(iii) We should not waste water.
(iv) We should practice rainwater harvesting.
(v) We should practice car pooling to avoid the excessive use of petroleum.
(vi) We should use alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy.

Concept insight: List the various methods of conservation of natural resources.

(a) To conserve our natural resources:
(i) Avoided water wastage while brushing and bathing.
(ii) Didnot waste paper.
(iii) Dumped biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins. 
(iv) Planted trees.
(v) Avoided food wastage.
(vi) Switched off unnecessary lights.

(b) To increase the pressure on our natural resources:
(i) Went with my friend for a long drive on my motorcycle.
(ii) Used a pipe to water plants.
(iii) TV was switched on while I was playing on computer.
(iv) Used plastics and polythene bags for carrying goods.
(v) Use lift to go to second floor.

Concept insight: List the various methods of conservation of natural resources.

One should incorporate the following changes in life-style in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources:

(i) Stop cutting trees and practice plantation of trees.
(ii) Stop using plastic and polythene bags for carrying goods.
(iii) Use recycled paper.
(iv) Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
(v) Waste minimum amount of water while using and repair leaking taps.
(vi) Practice rainwater harvesting.
(vi) Avoid using vehicles for short distances instead, one can walk or use cycle to cover short distances. To cover long distances, one should take a bus instead of using personal vehicles.
(vii) Switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
(viii) Use fluorescent tubes in place of bulbs to save electricity.
(ix) Take stairs and avoid using lifts.
(x) During winters, wear an extra sweater to avoid using heaters.

Concept insight: List the various methods of conservation of natural resources.