Resources and Development Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 1 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

Definition of Resources:

Resources: Materials or phenomena used by humans to satisfy their needs and support life. They play a crucial role in production, economic activities, and daily living.

Everything in our environment that we can use to satisfy our needs and is technologically accessible, economically affordable and acceptable culturally is termed as ‘Resource’. Humans are dominant components of resources. They convert materials available in the environment into resources and use them.

Classification of Resources

Classification of Resources is done in the following ways:

1. On the basis of Origin-Biotic and Abiotic.

2. On the basis of Exhaustibility-Renewable and Non-Renewable.

3. On the basis of Ownership-Individual, community, national and international.

4. On the basis of the status of development-potential, developed stock and reserves.

Types of Resources

1. On the Basis of Origin – Biotic and Abiotic

• Biotic Resources

These are obtained from living things in the environment. They are obtained from plants, animals, birds etc.

• Abiotic Resources

These are obtained from non-living things in the environment. They are obtained from rocks, mountains, soil etc.

2. On the Basis of Exhaustibility – Renewable and Non-Renewable

• Renewable or Replenishable Resources

• Non-Renewable Resources

3. On the Basis of Ownership – Individual, Community, National and International

• Individual Resources

These resources are owned by individuals. Examples of private plots, farms, houses etc.

• Community Owned Resources

These resources are over by a community and accessible to all the members of the community. Example burial grounds, playground, wells etc.

• National Resources

These resources are owned by a country or nation. Example mineral resources water resources forest.

• International Resources

These resources are under the rules and regulations of international institutions. Example the water of the ocean beyond 200 nautical miles.

4. On the Basis of the Status of Development – Potential, Developed Stock and Reserves

• Potential Resources

These resources are the resources which have been found in a region but yet to be utilised.

• Developed Resources

These resources are the resources which have been researched upon and their quality and quantity have been already decided by making utilisation of them. 

• Stock

These are the sources which have the potential to be utilised by human beings but we do not have adequate technology to utilise them.

• Reserves

Reserve just like ‘Stock’ but these are resources which can be put to use with technology but they have not been used.

Development of Resources

Human utilised resources indiscriminately which has led to many problems. The resources have got concentrated in few hands and this has caused rapid depletion of certain resources.

The rapid depletion of resources has also resulted in various environmental issues like global warming ozone layer depletion and environmental pollution.

At this point, resource planning has become an essential thing.

Note: Sustainable economic development is a development which takes place without damaging the environment of the present generation does not compromise with the needs of the future generation.

Resource Planning

Resource planning is very essential to ensure that the proper distribution of resources takes place in a region. Resource distribution should be equal so that everyone has access to it.

Resource Planning in India

For a country like India, resource planning is essential because we have a diverse population and a very large one at that which needs a management system.

India has a varied distribution of resources all over the country. This requires a central management system to see that every part of the country receives the resources and utilizes it according to needs. Therefore, the country considered most of the resources found in nature as national resources. All the resources are taken inventory of, and the needs of various regions are estimated and distributed accordingly.

Conservation of Resources

The irrational consumption and overutilization of resources have created an imbalance in the system. This has led to many environmental as well as economic and social issues. To combat these issues, the conservation of resources is essential for survival.

Land Resources

Land as a resource is a very important one as it supports life on earth. Apart from supporting life land also, various uses are carefully planned.

The various relief features of the land are categorised into three mountains which constitutes 30% of the land, plateaus which constitute 27% of the land and plains which constitutes 43% of the land.

Land Utilisation

The various purpose of land utilisation is as follows:

• Forests.

• Land not available for cultivation.

1. Barren and wasteland.

2. Land put to non-agricultural uses.

• Fallow lands.

• Other uncultivated lands (excluding fallow land).

• Net sown area.

Land Use Pattern in India

The land use pattern is determined by physical factors and human factors. Physical factors are topography climate and soil types while human factors are population density, technological capability, culture, tradition etc.

Land Degradation and Conservation Measures

Due to human activities, as well as some natural phenomena, the land in recent times has started degrading. Some activities such as deforestation mining, quarrying, overgrazing have significantly increased the rate of Land Degradation. Industrial waste has also contributed to degrading the quality of land especially in areas where industrial belts are found. Land Degradation has also affected the quality of water in our natural resources.

To conserve our Land and ensure the land degradation rate declines, we can take certain measures such as control mining activities proper disposal of Industrial waste planting shelterbelts etc.

Soil as a Resource

Soil is one of the important natural resources which is renewable. It takes millions of years to form every centimetre of soil. Soil formation depends upon various factors like temperature, the action of running water, wind, glaciers, the activity of decomposers, parent rock, chemical and organic changes etc.

Classification of Soils

India has various types of soil due to various natural factors that have contributed to creating soil which differs in terms of thickness, colour, texture, chemical and physical properties.

Alluvial Soils

• The Northern Plains are made of Alluvial soil. Alluvial soil is formed due to deposits from the Himalayan rivers Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra.

• It consists mainly of sand, silt and clay. Based on age Alluvial soils are classified into old Alluvial known as ‘Bhangar’ and new alluvial known as ‘khadar’.

Black Soil

• The black soil is famous for growing cotton crops. It is mainly found in the Deccan trap and made of Lava.

• It has more amount of clay and is known for its moisture holding capacity.

Red and Yellow Soils

• This type of soil is found mainly in areas with low rainfall the soil has iron and is formed of igneous which gives it its reddish colour. 

• The soil changes colour from red to yellow when it is hydrated.

Laterite Soil

• Laterite soil forms in subtropical and tropical climates where intense leaching happens due to heavy rainfall this soil is acidic and is found mostly in the southern States Maharashtra.

• It is very useful for growing tea and coffee.

Arid Soils

• Soil is generally sandy and saline in nature; it lacks humus and moisture.

• The soil is red to brown in colour and has got high calcium content while going deeper.

Forest Soils

• This is found in forest areas especially in the hills and mountains the soil is loamy and silty while of course in the upper slopes.

• It is acidic in nature with low humus content.

Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation

Soil erosion occurs due to human as well as Natural activities. It needs to be controlled as high soil erosion will lead to many problems. Soil erosion can be controlled by using soil conservation methods.

Different Ways for Soil Conservation

Various ways to conserve soil such as given below: 

• Contour ploughing is where contours are created to stop direct water flowing down the slopes.

• Terrace farming is a method which restricts erosion and helps with soil conservation.

• Strip farming is a method where strips of grasses are grown between the crops to minimise erosion.

• Shelterbelt is a method in which trees are planted in rows to break wind and minimise the shifting of the desert.

5 Important Topics of Chapter 1 Resources and Development in Class 10 Geography

Importance of Revision Notes for Class 10 Chapter 1 Resources and Development

• Consolidate Learning: Revision notes summarise key concepts and details, making it easier to recall and understand the material.

• Effective Study Tool: They provide a focused review of important topics, streamlining your study process for efficient exam preparation.

• Identify Key Areas: Highlight the most crucial aspects of a chapter, helping you focus on areas that need more attention.

• Time Management: Allow for a quick review of condensed information, saving time and improving study efficiency.

• Improve Retention: Regular review of notes aids in better retention and recall of key facts during exams.

Tips for Learning the Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Resources and Development

• Understand Key Definitions: Start by grasping the basic definitions of resources, including renewable and non-renewable resources.

• Focus on Classification: Pay attention to the classification of resources. Make sure you understand the different types, such as natural resources (renewable and non-renewable) and human resources, and their characteristics.

• Study Sustainable Development Principles: Learn about the principles of sustainable development, including balancing economic growth with environmental protection. 

• Practice Resource Conservation Methods: Familiarise yourself with various conservation techniques like afforestation, water conservation, and energy-saving practices. 

• Review Major Resources in India: Study the major resources found in India, including land, water, minerals, and forests. Understand their distribution, usage, and the challenges associated with them.

• Use Revision Notes: Make use of revision notes to consolidate your learning. Summarise key points and review them regularly to reinforce your understanding and retain important information.

• Connect with Real-World Examples: Relate the concepts to real-world examples and case studies. This can help you better understand the practical applications and implications of resource management.

• Practice Past Papers: Solve past exam papers and sample questions related to the chapter. This will help you get familiar with the question format and identify key areas to focus on for exams.

Conclusion

Chapter 1, "Resources and Development," in Class 10 Geography explores the crucial aspects of resource types, their significance, and effective management practices. Understanding the classification of resources, sustainable development principles, and conservation methods is essential for grasping the complexities of resource use. By examining major resources in India and the challenges associated with them, you gain valuable insights into the impact of resources on the environment and society. Regular review and application of these concepts will enhance your exam preparation and deepen your appreciation for responsible resource management.

Related Study Materials for Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Resources and Development

Revision Notes Links for Class 10 Geography 

Important Study Materials for Class 10 Social Science - Geography