An Introduction to Resources and Development
Resources are the greatest blessing of nature. These resources help in the existence of human life along with the development in all the spheres. If we talk about human life or other forms of life, these resources play a vital role. Here, we've provided a summary of resources and development. Go through it to find out why resource utilisation and development planning is important.
What Do You Mean By Resource Development?
Resource development means the development of natural resources effectively and efficiently without harming the environment or human existence. The benefits of resource development are not only for the present but also for future generations.
Types of Resources
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A. In Terms of Origin - Biotic and Abiotic:
Under this, resources can be classified into two types :
Biotic Resources are part of the biosphere which have life. For example, Human Beings, animals, fisheries, etc.
Abiotic Resources are non-living things that do not have life such as rocks, metals or non-metals, etc.
B. In Terms of Exhaustibility - Renewables and Non-Renewable:
These are divided into two parts :
Renewable resources are those
resources that can be renewed with some processes are abundant in nature such as solar energy, wind energy, forests, etc.
Non-renewable resources are those which are not abundant in nature. It took millions of years for the formation which can be exhausted one day. For example Coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc.
C. In Terms of Ownership - Individual, Community, National and International:
These can be divided into the following four categories :
Individual Resources are those which are privately owned by an individual. For example, land owned by a farmer, plot, houses, flats, or other property owned in urban areas, etc.
Community Owned Resources are those resources that are owned and used by the community people and not owned by a single person. For example public parks, playgrounds, burial grounds, etc.
National Resources are those which come under the territory of any nation. Resources coming under 12nm from the coast of the country are called national resources. A nation can acquire private property as well for public welfare.
International Resources are those which do not belong to anyone particular country such as open sea and space etc. These resources are managed by international institutions.
D. In Terms of Status of Development - Potential, Mineral Reserves and Stock
These can be classified into the following four categories :
Potential Resources are those resources of any region which have great potential but have not been utilized. Such as oil reserves of the Middle East, dark soil of the Deccan plateau, etc.
Developed Resources are those which have been surveyed for the determination of their presence but their development is based on technology or their feasibility levels.
Stock is a form of those resources which are abundant in nature but human beings do not know how to utilize them. For example, Hydrogen can be a great source of energy but we don't know how to use it.
Reserves are considered to be part of stocks. These resources can be used with presently available technology but have not been started yet. For example water in the dams is a reserve.
Development of Resources
Resources are the vital gift of nature which is most important for human survival on this earth. The world has developed so much because of the availability of a wide range of resources. Extreme usage of natural resources for centuries led to the major problems:
Continuously depletion of resources for the fulfilment of greedy human needs
Division of the society into two parts ie. Haves and have nots because of the accumulation of major resources in a few rich hands.
The emergence of global crises such as pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, climate change, etc.
Resource Utilisation and Development Planning
If we continue to use and exploit the resources, then the future of the earth and human existence is in danger. Therefore, resource planning is necessary for equitable distribution and proper utilization as well as the development of the resources.
It plays an important in a country like India. There are regions that have huge resources but lack other facilities. For example, there are huge water resources available in Arunachal Pradesh but it lacks infrastructural development. Rajasthan also has great potential for solar energy development but has not been yet utilized.
Thus, resource planning is required at local, regional, state, and national levels.
Steps in Resource Planning
Identification and documentation of the various resources of the country through survey, mapping, measurement, etc.
Creation of planning structure to implement the resource development plans with the help of skills, technology, and set up institutions.
Complement the resource plans with national plans.
Conservation of Resources
Extreme usage of resources will lead to various problems for the environment and human existence. Therefore, the conservation of resources is necessary to conserve them for future generations.
Land Utilisation and Planning
The lithosphere is an important part of the biosphere where life actually exists. The land is utilized for various purposes like forests, agriculture, non-agriculture purposes, houses, etc. Following land conservation and planning steps can be taken to protect the land resource :
Keeping a check on the various human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, mining, etc.
Waste disposal is done by the industries in water which leads to land degradation also needs to be check.
Managing and using the waste Lands.
Usage of barren land for non-agricultural purposes.
Soil Conservation
It takes a number of years for the formation of the soil which helps in plant growth and is the home of various living organisms. Excessive use of soil leads to soil erosion and degradation. The following methods can be adopted for the conservation of the soil.
Ploughing should be done in the right way as per the form of the soil
Contour ploughing can be done to decelerate the flow of water down the slopes.
Terrace farming can be adopted in hilly areas
Strip cropping can be done by forming strips of grass in large areas.
Did You Know?
We have read the summary of resources and development. Now, let us find out an interesting fact about it. The first-ever environmental summit at the international level was done in the year 1992 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil where more than 100 states participated to discuss and finding solutions to environmental problems. This summit is called Earth Summit 1992 as well.
FAQs on Resources and Development
1. What is the difference between stock and reserves as types of resources?
Stock and reserves are both categories of resources based on the status of development. Stock refers to materials in the environment that have the potential to satisfy human needs but cannot be used due to a lack of appropriate technology. For example, hydrogen in water can be a rich source of energy, but we do not yet have the advanced technology to use it. Reserves are a subset of the stock, which can be put into use with existing technology, but their use has not been started. They are kept for future requirements, like water in a dam for hydroelectricity.
2. What is meant by 'resource development' and why is it essential for a country?
Resource development refers to the process of utilizing resources for satisfying human needs and improving the quality of life. It is not just about extraction but also about using technology and institutions for their transformation. This process is essential for a country because it is directly linked to economic progress and national development. However, irrational consumption and over-utilisation can lead to severe socio-economic and environmental problems, making sustainable development crucial.
3. What is resource planning and what are its three main stages in India?
Resource planning is a widely accepted strategy for the judicious use of resources. It is essential in a country like India, which has enormous diversity in the availability of resources. As per the NCERT syllabus for 2025-26, the process involves three main stages:
Identification and inventory: This involves surveying, mapping, and a qualitative and quantitative estimation and measurement of the resources across the regions of the country.
Evolving a planning structure: This stage involves creating a structure endowed with appropriate technology, skill, and institutional set-up for implementing resource development plans.
Matching plans: This involves matching the resource development plans with overall national development plans.
4. Why is the equitable distribution of resources considered as important as their conservation?
The equitable distribution of resources is considered as important as conservation because an unequal distribution leads to social and economic disparities. When resources are accumulated in the hands of a few individuals, it divides society into 'haves' and 'have-nots'. This can cause social unrest and hinder overall national development. Therefore, for a sustained quality of life and global peace, a fair distribution of resources is essential, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society.
5. How are resources classified based on their origin and exhaustibility? Provide examples.
Resources are classified in several ways. Based on their origin and exhaustibility, the classifications are:
On the basis of Origin: Resources are classified as Biotic (obtained from the biosphere and have life, e.g., human beings, flora, fauna) and Abiotic (composed of non-living things, e.g., rocks, metals).
On the basis of Exhaustibility: Resources are classified as Renewable (can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical, or mechanical processes, e.g., solar energy, water) and Non-Renewable (occur over a very long geological time and cannot be renewed easily, e.g., coal, petroleum).
6. What are the main causes of land degradation in India, and how can it be controlled?
The main causes of land degradation in India include deforestation, overgrazing, mining, quarrying, and industrial effluents. It can be controlled by implementing several measures such as:
Afforestation and proper management of grazing lands.
Planting of shelterbelts of plants to control wind erosion.
Stabilisation of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes.
Proper management of wastelands and control of mining activities.
Proper discharge and disposal of industrial effluents and wastes after treatment.
7. How does the land use pattern in a country reflect its economic activities and development level?
The land use pattern of a country is a direct reflection of its economic structure and stage of development. For instance, a country with a high percentage of its land under agriculture is typically considered an agrarian economy. In contrast, developed nations often show a higher proportion of land dedicated to industrial, commercial, and residential uses, indicating a shift towards secondary and tertiary economic activities. Changes in land use over time, such as a decrease in forest cover for urban expansion, can also signal rapid industrialisation and population growth.
8. What are some effective methods for soil conservation?
Effective soil conservation methods aim to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. Key methods include:
Contour Ploughing: Ploughing along the contour lines can slow down the flow of water down the slopes.
Terrace Cultivation: Cutting steps or terraces on slopes restricts erosion, a practice common in hilly regions.
Strip Cropping: Large fields are divided into strips where strips of grass are grown between crops to break the force of the wind.
Shelter Belts: Planting rows of trees to create shelter helps in stabilising sand dunes and protecting fields from wind erosion.
9. Can a substance be a resource in one region but not in another? Explain with an example.
Yes, a substance's status as a resource is determined by its utility and the technology available to use it. Therefore, a substance can be a valuable resource in one region but not in another. For example, the vast reserves of uranium in Ladakh can be a major resource for a country with advanced nuclear technology to generate electricity. However, for a region or country lacking this technology, the same uranium deposit is merely a part of the 'stock'—a potential resource that cannot yet be utilised.
10. Describe the key characteristics of Alluvial and Black soils found in India.
Alluvial and Black soils are two major soil types in India with distinct characteristics.
Alluvial Soils: These are the most widespread soils, deposited by the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra river systems. They are very fertile and consist of sand, silt, and clay. They are ideal for growing sugarcane, paddy, wheat, and other pulse crops.
Black Soils: Also known as regur soils or black cotton soil, these are ideal for growing cotton. They are rich in soil nutrients like calcium carbonate and magnesium. A key feature is their ability to hold moisture, making them sticky when wet and developing deep cracks when dry, which helps in aeration.
