Resources and

Development
By - RAVI SIR
What are Resources?
Anything available in our environment that can be used to satisfy human needs, provided it is:
*Technologically accessible
*Economically feasible
*Culturally acceptable

Resources Are Not Free Gifts of Nature

*Many people assume that resources are free gifts of nature, but this is incorrect.
*Resources are created through human interaction with nature using technology.
*Human beings play a crucial role in transforming materials from the environment into useful resources.
*Institutions are also developed to accelerate economic development.

Classification of Resources
Resources can be classified into different categories:

1. On the Basis of Origin

*Biotic Resources -Derived from living things (e.g., forests, wildlife, fisheries).
*Abiotic Resources -Derived from non-living things (e.g., minerals, water, air).

2. On the Basis of Exhaustibility

*Renewable Resources - Resources that can be replenished naturally (e.g., solar energy, wind energy, forests).
*Non-Renewable Resources - Resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished quickly (e.g., coal,
petroleum, natural gas).

3. On the Basis of Ownership

*Individual Resources - Owned by private individuals (e.g., land, houses, farms).
*Community Resources - Accessible to all members of a community (e.g., parks, public wells).
*National Resources - Belong to a country and are under government control (e.g., rivers, forests, minerals within a country’s
territory).
*International Resources - Belong to no single country; managed by international organizations (e.g., oceanic resources beyond
200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone).
4. On the Basis of Development Status
*Potential Resources - Resources found in a region but not yet utilized (e.g., solar energy in Rajasthan, wind energy in Gujarat).
*Developed Resources - Resources that are identified, surveyed, and ready for use (e.g., coal and petroleum reserves being extracted).
*Stock - Resources available in nature but lacking the required technology for use (e.g., hydrogen as a source of energy).
*Reserves - A part of developed resources but kept for future use (e.g., water stored in dams, forests preserved for future generations).

Introduction Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992

• Resources are essential for human survival and maintaining the • Held in June 1992 in Brazil, attended by
quality of life. over 100 heads of state.
• Earlier, it was believed that resources were free gifts of nature, • Purpose: To address environmental
leading to their indiscriminate use. protection and socio-economic development
• This has caused several problems, including: globally.
1. Depletion of resources due to overuse and greed. • Outcomes of the Summit:
2. Unequal distribution of resources, dividing society into rich and poor. 1. Declaration on Global Climatic Change and
3. Environmental crises such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, Biological Diversity was signed.
pollution, and land degradation. 2. Global Forest Principles were endorsed.
3. Adoption of Agenda 21 to achieve
sustainable development in the 21st century.
Sustainable Development
• Definition: Sustainable economic development means:
• Development should not damage the environment.
• Development should not compromise the needs of future generations.
• Example: If oil supply is exhausted, life will become difficult due to lack
of fuel, transportation issues, and economic crises.

Agenda 21
• Signed at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.
• Objective:
• Combat environmental damage, poverty, and diseases through global cooperation.
• Promote shared responsibilities for sustainable development.
• Encourage local governments to create their own Agenda 21 for better environmental management.
Importance of Resource Planning
• Unequal resource distribution leads to conflicts and global instability.
• If resource depletion continues, our planet’s future is at risk.
• Resource planning is essential for the sustainable existence of all forms of life.
• Sustainable existence is a key part of sustainable development.

What is Resource Planning?

• Resource planning is a widely accepted strategy for the judicious use of resources.
• It is especially important in a diverse country like India, where resource availability varies across regions.
• Some regions are rich in certain resources but deficient in others, leading to an imbalance in development.

Need for Resource Planning in India

India has unequal distribution of resources, creating a need for balanced planning at all levels.

Examples of Regional Resource Distribution

1. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh → Rich in minerals and coal deposits.
2. Arunachal Pradesh → Abundant water resources but lacks infrastructure.
3. Rajasthan → Rich in solar and wind energy but faces water scarcity.
4. Ladakh (Cold Desert) →
• Rich cultural heritage
• Deficient in water, infrastructure, and minerals
• Isolated from the rest of the country

Why is Resource Planning Needed?

• To ensure balanced development across all regions.
• To prevent resource depletion due to overuse in some areas.
• To support economic growth by utilizing resources efficiently.
• To bridge the gap between resource-rich and resource-deficient regions.
Levels of Resource Planning

Resource planning should be conducted at multiple levels for effective management:

1. National Level – Central government policies for sustainable development.
2. State Level – State governments focus on regional resource management.
3. Regional Level – Plans are made according to the specific needs of an area.
4. Local Level – Village, town, or district-level planning to optimize resource use.

What is Resource Planning?

Resource planning is a complex process that ensures efficient and sustainable use of resources. It involves:

Steps in Resource Planning

1. Identification and Inventory of Resources
• Surveying, mapping, and estimating resources qualitatively and quantitatively.
2. Developing a Planning Structure
• Using technology, skilled labor, and institutional support to implement resource development plans.
3. Integrating Resource Development with National Plans
• Aligning resource development with overall economic and social development goals.

India’s Efforts in Resource Planning

• Started after Independence with the First Five-Year Plan.
• India has continuously worked towards proper utilization and conservation of resources.
• Mere availability of resources is not enough; technological and institutional development is required for economic growth.
Resource-Rich but Economically Backward Regions Resource-Poor but Economically Developed Regions

Some regions in India are rich in natural resources but Some regions lack natural resources but are economically strong
remain underdeveloped. Examples include: due to industrialization and technology. Examples include:
1. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha 1. Delhi
• Rich in minerals (coal, iron, bauxite, manganese) • Limited natural resources, but well-developed industries,
but economically backward due to: trade, and services.
• Poor infrastructure. 2. Gujarat
• Lack of industrial development. • Poor in minerals but developed due to trade, industries,
• Social and political instability. and entrepreneurship.
2. Northeastern States (except Assam) 3. Punjab and Haryana
• Abundant forests, water resources, and • Limited mineral resources, but prosperous due to advanced
biodiversity but lack industries and infrastructure. agriculture and industry.

Reasons for Economic Backwardness Reasons for Economic Development

• Poor connectivity and infrastructure. • Advanced technology and industrialization.
• Low industrialization. • Good governance and policies.
• Political instability and social issues. • Strong human resources and skilled labor.
• Lack of investment in education and human • Investment in education, trade, and services.
resource development.
Historical Impact on Resource Development
• Colonization and Resource Exploitation
• Foreign invaders exploited India’s rich resources for their own benefit.
• The British used advanced technology to extract resources and establish economic dominance.
• Lesson from History
• Resources alone do not lead to development.
• Development requires technology, skilled human resources, and institutional support.

Conservation of Resources –

Why is Resource Conservation Important?

• Resources are vital for development, but irrational consumption and over-utilization lead to:
• Socio-economic issues (poverty, inequality).
• Environmental problems (pollution, resource depletion).
• Resource conservation at different levels is necessary to ensure their sustainable use for future generations.

Gandhiji’s View on Resource Conservation

• Quote: “There is enough for everybody’s need and not for anybody’s greed.”
• Gandhiji believed that:
• Greed and selfishness lead to resource depletion.
• Modern technology often exploits nature unsustainably.
• He opposed mass production and supported production by the masses, promoting decentralized
development.
Global Efforts for Resource Conservation

1. Club of Rome (1968)

*First systematic advocacy for resource conservation at the international level.

2. Schumacher’s Book Small is Beautiful (1974)

*Reintroduced Gandhian philosophy of sustainable resource use.

3. Brundtland Commission Report (1987)

*Introduced the concept of Sustainable Development.
*Published in the book “Our Common Futureâ€.
*Advocated responsible use of resources to meet present needs without compromising future generations.

4. Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro (1992)

*Global leaders gathered to discuss environmental protection and resource conservation.
*Emphasized the need for sustainable development strategies.

Importance of Land as a Resource

• Land is a vital natural resource because:
• It supports human life and natural ecosystems.
• It is used for economic activities, agriculture, industries, and infrastructure.
• It enables transport and communication networks.
• Since land is finite, its judicious use and careful planning are essential for sustainable development.
Relief Features of India Land Utilization -

India has diverse landforms, each with unique How is Land Used?
characteristics and uses.
Land is a limited resource, and it is utilized for various
1. Plains (43% of India’s land area) purposes. In India, land use is classified into the following
• Uses: categories:
• Suitable for agriculture and industrial
development.
• Supports dense human settlements and
infrastructure. 1. Forests
• Land covered by natural and planted forests.
2. Mountains (30% of India’s land area) • Important for biodiversity, climate regulation, and preventing
• Uses: soil erosion.
• Source of rivers that provide water for irrigation
2. Land Not Available for Cultivation
and hydroelectricity.
• Supports tourism and biodiversity conservation.
This category includes land unsuitable for farming due to various reasons:
• Helps in climate regulation and forest cover
preservation.
(a) Barren and Waste Land
• Land that cannot be used for cultivation, e.g., deserts, rocky terrain,
3. Plateaus (27% of India’s land area)
and salt-affected land.
• Uses:
• Rich in minerals, fossil fuels, and forests.
(b) Land Put to Non-Agricultural Uses
• Supports mining, industries, and forestry.
• Land used for urbanization, industries, roads, buildings, railways,
and other infrastructure.
3. Other Uncultivated Land (Excluding Fallow Land) 5. Net Sown Area (NSA)
• Total land where crops are grown and
(a) Permanent Pastures and Grazing Land harvested in a year.
• Used for livestock grazing, essential for dairy and animal • Higher NSA indicates good agricultural
husbandry. development.

(b) Land Under Miscellaneous Tree Crops & Groves Gross Cropped Area (GCA)
• Land covered by tree plantations that are not included in net • Net Sown Area + Area sown more than once in
sown area, e.g., orchards, rubber, and coconut plantations. an agricultural year.
• If a farmer grows two or more crops in the
(c) Culturable Waste Land same field in a year, that area is counted twice in
• Land left uncultivated for more than 5 years but can be made GCA.
cultivable with proper measures.

4. Fallow Land (Temporarily Uncultivated Land)

(a) Current Fallow

• Left without cultivation for one or less than one agricultural
year (e.g., to restore soil fertility).

(b) Other Than Current Fallow

• Left uncultivated for 1 to 5 agricultural years, but can be
reused in the future.
Factors Affecting Land Use Land Use Categories in India

Land use in India is influenced by: 1. Net Sown Area (NSA)

• Physical Factors: Topography, climate, • Total land used for cultivation.
soil type. • NSA in India: About 54% of the total reporting area (including some
• Human Factors: Population density, poor-quality lands cultivated occasionally).
technology, culture, and traditions. • State-wise variation:
• Highest (>80%): Punjab, Haryana (intensive agriculture).
• Lowest (<10%): Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Andaman &
Nicobar Islands (hilly and forested regions).

2. Forest Area
• Current forest cover is lower than the recommended 33% (as per the
National Forest Policy, 1952).
• Forests are crucial for ecological balance, biodiversity, and livelihoods
of millions.

3. Permanent Pasture Land

• Declining due to urbanization and agriculture expansion.
Total Geographical Area of India
• India has a large cattle population, which leads to overgrazing and
• India’s total area: 3.28 million sq km.
land degradation.
• Land use data available for: 93% of
the total area.
4. Waste Land
• Exceptions: Some Northeast states
• Includes rocky, arid, and desert areas.
(except Assam) and areas in Jammu &
• Often unsuitable for agriculture but can be reclaimed with proper
Kashmir occupied by Pakistan and China
measures.
are not fully surveyed.
5. Land Under Non-Agricultural Uses
• Includes roads, railways, settlements, industries, and infrastructure.
Land Degradation and Its Impact Causes of Land Degradation in India
• Continuous land use without conservation
measures has led to land degradation. 1. Deforestation
• Effects of land degradation: • Cutting down trees for agriculture, mining, and
• Soil erosion, loss of fertility, desertification. urbanization reduces soil fertility and increases soil erosion.
• Reduced agricultural productivity.
• Negative impact on society and environment. 2. Overgrazing
• Excessive grazing by livestock removes vegetation, leading
to soil erosion and desertification.
• Affects states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra.

3. Mining and Quarrying

• Abandoned mines leave scars on the land, disrupt
ecosystems, and cause soil erosion.
• States affected: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Odisha.

4. Over-Irrigation
What is Land Degradation?
• Leads to waterlogging, which increases salinity and
• Land degradation refers to the decline in the quality and
alkalinity of the soil.
productivity of land due to human activities and natural
• Affects states: Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh.
factors.
• 95% of our needs (food, shelter, clothing) depend on land.
5. Industrial Waste and Pollution
• Human activities have accelerated land degradation,
• Cement, ceramic, and mining industries release dust and
making it a serious environmental concern.
pollutants that settle on land, reducing soil productivity.
• Industrial effluents cause land and water pollution if not
treated properly.
Conservation Measures to Prevent Land Degradation

1. Afforestation and Plantation

• Replanting trees and forests helps restore soil fertility and prevents erosion.

2. Controlled Grazing
• Proper management of grazing lands reduces overgrazing and protects soil cover.

3. Sand Dune Stabilization

• Growing thorny bushes and shelter belts of trees in arid areas (e.g., Rajasthan) helps control desertification.

4. Sustainable Mining Practices

• Reclaiming and restoring abandoned mining sites by filling pits and planting trees.
• Strict regulations on mining activities to reduce environmental damage.

5. Proper Irrigation Methods

• Drip irrigation and sprinklers reduce waterlogging and salinity in farmlands.

6. Waste Management
• Treating industrial effluents before disposal prevents soil and water pollution.
• Recycling and reusing waste materials to reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion
• Land is a shared resource for past, present, and future generations, so protecting it is essential.
• Human activities must be regulated to prevent degradation and promote sustainable land use.
• A combination of afforestation, controlled grazing, proper irrigation, and waste management can help in
conserving land for future generations.