NCERT Solutions - Class 10 Geography Chapter 1: Resources and Development

Exercises
Q1. Multiple choice questions.

(i) Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
(a) Intensive cultivation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Over irrigation
(d) Overgrazing

(ii) In which one of the following states is terrace cultivation practised?
(a) Punjab
(b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh
(c) Haryana
(d) Uttarakhand

(iii) In which of the following states black soil is predominantly found?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Jharkhand
Answer - (i) (c) Over irrigation
(ii) (d) Uttarakhand
(iii) (b) Maharashtra
Q2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Name three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.

(ii) What type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main features of this type of soil.

(iii) What steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
Answer - (i) Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat have black soil. The main crop grown in black soil is cotton. That is why it is also known as black cotton soil.

(ii) Alluvial soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast. It is very fertile, rich in potash and lime, and ideal for growing crops like paddy and sugarcane. This soil is renewed every year through floods and is good for agriculture.

(iii) To control soil erosion in hilly areas, terrace farming should be practiced. Afforestation must be encouraged to bind the soil. Contour ploughing and building shelter belts can also help stop the movement of soil.
Q3. Answer the following questions in about 120 words.

(i) Explain land use pattern in India and why has the land under forest not increased much since 1960–61?

(ii) How have technical and economic development led to more consumption of resources?
Answer - (i) In India, land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forests, pastures, industries, roads, and non-agricultural activities. The largest portion of land is used for farming because agriculture is the main occupation in our country. Forest land is second, followed by barren and uncultivable land. Since 1960–61, the land under forests has not increased much. One major reason is population growth, which has increased the demand for housing, roads, and industries. As cities and towns expand, forest land is often cleared. Also, more land is required to grow food for the rising population. Although the government has started afforestation programs, their impact is slow. Lack of awareness, proper planning, and enforcement have also made it difficult to expand forest cover significantly.

(ii) With the growth of technology and the economy, people are using more resources than before. Machines and tools have made it easier to extract minerals, cut forests, and use water for industries and households. As industries grow, they need more raw materials like coal, iron, and oil. Urbanization has led to more houses, roads, and buildings, all of which use natural resources. Economic development has also increased the demand for electricity, transport, and packaged goods, all of which require more energy and raw materials. People now want more comforts like air conditioners, cars, and gadgets, which consume a lot of resources. This overuse of resources leads to pollution, wastage, and the risk of running out of essential materials. So, while development improves life, it also requires us to use resources wisely and sustainably.