16. Management of Natural Resources

Significance of Forests

Forests play a major role in our environment. Following are the contribution of forests to the environment:

Forests serve as watersheds since most water from rainfall in the forests feeds rivers, lakes or the water table.

Forests provide habitat for different species of animals, insects and birds.

The products obtained from forests are used to manufacture many household and industrial products, which contribute to the economy.

Forests maintain the balance in the environment by controlling floods and drought and prevent soil erosion.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders play an important role in forest management. They include community, government and non–government organisations and nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Types of Stakeholders

Following are some of the stakeholders:

Local Community: Local people use forests for multiple purposes. They require wood for making their huts, cooking etc. Their cattle graze in forest areas or feed on the fodder which is collected from forests. Forest sites are also used for fishing and hunting.

Forest Department: The Forest Department is responsible for managing the forest to ensure conservation of the habitat.

Industries: Industries depend on forests for different raw materials for its factories. For example, the beedi industry needs kendu leaves as raw material. Wood is used as raw material in many industries.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts: They are not directly dependent on the forest but it is in their interest that forests are protected.

Chipko Andolan

It is one of the most famous initiatives taken by local communities towards forest preservation. It started in 1973 in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, by a group of village women to protect and conserve the trees in the forest from being cut. Villagers used to hug the trees to protect them from wood cutters.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are fuels that have been formed from the decayed remains of plants or animals over millions of years. Examples are coal, petroleum and natural gas.

Formation of Coal

Coal is a hard, black fossil fuel that was formed in the Carboniferous period, over 300 million years ago, when the earth was covered with oceans, swamps, trees and plants. These trees and plants fell into the water and, due to the lack of oxygen underwater, did not decay completely, instead turning into peat.

Due to high pressure and temperature, the peat changed into lignite, which got buried deeper and deeper underground and eventually became coal.

Formation of Petroleum

Oil and gas were formed millions of years ago during the Carboniferous period. Tiny sea creatures such as plankton died and sank to the bottom of the sea. These creatures accumulated at the bottom and did not decay completely, forming a layer of mud rich in organic matter.

Due to high temperature and pressure, these dead remains of plants and animals slowly got converted into oil and gas.

Conservation of Fossil Fuels

The following measures can be taken to reduce the use of fossil fuels:

Avoid using plastic products

Use public transportation like bus or train instead of private vehicles

Turn off electrical devices when not in use

Plant more trees

Consider alternate sources of energy like solar or wind energy

Drive vehicles at a constant and moderate speed

Conservation of Water at Home

The following measures can be taken to conserve water at home:

Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants.

Compost vegetable food waste instead of throwing it in the garbage.

Turn water off when brushing teeth or shaving.

Place a cistern displacement device in your toilet cistern to reduce the volume of water used in each flush.

Water gardens and plants early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower.

Wash cars/bikes with a bucket, sponge, or hose with a self-closing nozzle.

Role of Dams in Water Conservation

Dams are constructed for a specific purpose such as water supply, flood control, irrigation, navigation or hydropower.

Irrigation: Dams are used to collect water from rain or flowing rivers, so that it can be used for irrigating arid lands when supply falls.

Hydro Power: The gravitational force of falling or flowing water passing through dams can be harnessed for the production of electrical power.

Water Supply: Dams play a major role in meeting the water requirements of people and also in fulfilling industrial needs.

Flood Control: Dams and reservoirs are used to control floods by regulating river water flow downstream of the dam. Dams control or divert water flood waters and thus prevent damage to life and property.

Navigation: Dams and reservoirs play a vital role in providing enhanced inland navigation.

Water Harvesting

Water harvesting is the method of collecting water from surfaces on which rain falls and storing this water for future use. Water collected from harvesting systems can be used for several non- drinking purposes such as flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering gardens or washing cars.

Water Harvesting Techniques

Following techniques are used for water harvesting:

Khadin - Embankment across lower hill slopes

Kunds - Underground storage

Baolis - Stepwells or community wells

Tankas - Underground tank

Nadis - Village ponds

Surangam - Horizontal wells

Talab - Reservoirs

Ahar-pynes - Embanked catchment basin and channels

Kuls - Water channels in mountain areas

Bhandaras - Check dams

Yeris - Tanks

Lesson: Management of Natural Resources

Question: 1

What changes would you suggest in your home in order to be environment-friendly?

Solution:

We can make the following changes in our habits to be more eco-friendly:

(a) Switch off electrical appliances when not in use

(b) Recycle and reuse wastes

(d) Turn off tap when water is not in use

(e) Use unleaded petrol in vehicles

(f) Use public transport as much as possible

Question: 2

Can you suggest some changes in your school, which would make it environment friendly?

Solution:

We can suggest the following changes in our school to be more environment-friendly.

(a) Avoiding wastage of water, electricity and food

(b) Recycling and reusing wastes

(d) Using public transport as much as possible

Question: 3

We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to

forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce?

Why do you think so?

Solution:

The forest department of the government owns the land and controls the resources from forests. The government also represents the people of the country. So, ideally the forest department in consultation with other stake holders should decide the management of the forest produces.

Question: 4

How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management

of:

(a) Forests and wildlife

(b) Water resources and

Solution:

(a) Forest and wildlife: We can make a difference to the management of forests and wildlife by protesting against cutting of trees, poaching of wild animals and encroachment of forest lands, reducing the use of products developed from forest and wild life and planting more trees.

(b) Water resources: We can make a difference to the management by avoiding wastage of water, preserving water by rainwater harvesting, avoiding the discharge of sewage and other wastes into rivers and other water resources.

(c) Coal and petroleum: We can make a difference to the management by
using public transport for commuting, reducing the use of coal as a fuel, using alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy.

Question: 5

What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?

Solution:

Water, air, forests, land, etc. are the natural resources available to us. Each one of us can play an important role in conserving our natural resources. One of the effective ways to conserve our resources would be to reduce to use of resources as much as possible. As an individual, I can:

(a) Plant more trees

(b) Use public transport as much as possible

(d) Use water judiciously and avoid its wastage

(e) Use more renewable resources like wind energy, solar energy, etc.

Question: 6

On the basis of the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incorporate in your life-style in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources?

Solution:

Following changes can be made to use our resources efficiently:

(a) Practice rain water harvesting, tree plantation.

(b) Avoid wastage of resources like electricity, water, food.

(d) Use recycled paper.

(e) Use more of public transport for journey.

(f) Use stairs, avoid using lifts.

(g) Avoid using room heaters during winter; rather use extra woollen clothes.

Lesson: Management of Natural Resources

Question: 1

From the list given below pick the item that is not a natural resource:

(a) Soil

(b) Water

(d) Air

Solution:

Question: 2

The most rapidly dwindling natural resource in the world is:

(a) Water

(b) Forests

(d) Sunlight

Solution:

Question: 3

The most appropriate definition of a natural resource is that it is a substance/commodity that is:

(a) present only on land

(b) a gift of nature which is very useful to mankind

(d) available only in the forest

Solution:

Question: 4

The main cause for abundant coliform bacteria in the river Ganga is:

(a) Disposal of unburnt corpses into water

(b) Discharge of effluents from electroplating industries

(d) Immersion of ashes

Solution:

Question: 5

The pH of water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 $-$ 4.5, on the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river.

The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water?

(a) Soap and detergent factory

(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory

(d) Alcohol distillery

Solution:

Question: 6

The pH range most conducive for life of fresh water plants and animals is:

(a) 6.5 $-$ 7.5

(b) 2.0 $-$ 3.5

(d) 9.0 $-$ 10.5

Solution:

Question: 7

The three R’s that will help us to conserve natural resources for long term use are:

(a) Recycle, Regenerate, Reuse

(b) Reduce, Regenerate, Reuse

(d) Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

Solution:

Question: 8

Given below are a few statements related to biodiversity. Pick those that correctly describe the concept of biodiversity:

(a) Biodiversity refers to the different species of flora and fauna present in an area

(b) Biodiversity refers to only the flora of a given area

(d) Biodiversity refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species

living in an area

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (ii) and (iv)

(d) (ii) and (iii)

Solution:

Question: 9

Among the statements given below, select the ones that correctly describe the concept of sustainable development:

(a) Planned growth with minimum damage to the environment

(b) Growth irrespective of the extent of damage caused to the environment

(d) Growth that is acceptable to all the stakeholders

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(d) (iii) only

Solution:

Question: 10

In our country, vast tracts of forests are cleared and a single species of plant is cultivated.

This practice promotes:

(a) Biodiversity in the area

(b) Monoculture in the area

(d) Preserves the natural ecosystem in the area

Solution:

Question: 11

A successful forest conservation strategy should involve:

(a) Protection of animals at the highest trophic level

(b) Protection of only consumers

(d) Comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components

Solution:

Question: 12

The important message conveyed by the ‘Chipko Movement’ is:

(a) To involve the community in forest conservation efforts

(b) To ignore the community in forest conservation efforts

(d) Government agencies have the unquestionable right to order destruction of trees in forests

Solution:

Question: 13

In our country, there are attempts to increase the height of several existing dams like Tehri and Almati, dams across Narmada.

Choose the correct statements among the following that are a consequence of raising the height of dams:

(a) Terrestrial flora and fauna of the area is destroyed completely

(b) Dislocation of people and domestic animals living in the area

(d) It will generate permanent employment for people

(a) (i) and (ii)

(b) (i), (ii) and (iii)

(d) (i), (iii) and (iv)

Solution:

Question: 14

Expand the abbreviation GAP:

(a) Governmental Agency for Pollution Control

(b) Gross Assimilation by Photosynthesis

(d) Governmental Agency for Animal Protection

Solution:

Question: 15

Select the incorrect statement:

(a) Economic development is linked to environmental conservation

(b) Sustainable development encourages development for current generation and conservation of resources for future generations

(d) Sustainable development is a long planned and persistent development

Solution:

Question: 16

Which of the following is not a natural resource?

(a) Mango tree

(b) Snake

(d) Wooden house

Solution:

Question: 17

Select the wrong statement:

(a) Forests provide variety of products

(b) Forests have greater plant diversity

(d) Forests conserve water

Solution:

Question: 18

Arabari forests of Bengal is dominated by:

(a) Teak

(b) Sal

(d) Mangroove

Solution:

Question: 19

Ground water will not be depleted due to:

(a) Afforestation

(b) Thermal power plants

(d) Cropping of high water demanding crops

Solution:

Question: 20

Opposition to the construction of large dams is due to:

(a) Social reasons

(b) Economic reasons

(d) All the above

Solution:

Question: 21

Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars and Kattas are ancient structures that are examples for:

(a) Grain storage

(b) Wood storage

(d) Soil conservation

Solution:

Question: 22

Pick the right combination of terms which has no fossil fuel:

(a) Wind, Ocean and Coal

(b) Kerosene, Wind and Tide

(d) Petroleum, Wood, Sun

Solution:

Question: 23

Select the eco-friendly activity among the following:

(a) Using car for transportation

(b) Using polybags for shopping

(d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation

Solution:

Question: 24

It is important to make small check dams across the flooded gullies because they

(a) hold water for irrigation

(b) hold water and prevent soil erosion

(d) hold water permanently

(a) (i) and (iv)

(b) (ii) and (iii)

(d) (ii) and (iv)

Solution:

Short Answer Questions (7)

Question: 25

Prepare a list of five items that you use daily in the school.

Identify from the list such items that can be recycled.

Paper, blade, plastic box, eraser, compass, steel lunch box and steel spoon can be recycled.

Solution:

Items used in schools and whether they can be recycled are given below.

Items	Recycled or Not	Explanation
Bag	Yes	Yes, if it is made up of cotton and not plastic.
Paper	Yes	Paper can be recycled.
Pencil	Yes	The wood of the pencil can be recycled.
Water bottle	Yes	Water bottle made up of metal can be recycled. However, if it is made up of plastic, it cannot be recycled.
Lunch box	Yes	Lunch box made up of metal can be recycled. However, if it is made up of plastic, it cannot be recycled.

Question: 26

List two advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level.

Solution:

(a) The ground water does not evaporate, thus keeps the soil moist.

(b) The water can be stored for future use.

Question: 27

In a village in Karnataka, people started cultivating crops all around a lake which was always filled with water. They added fertilizers to their field in order to enhance the yield. Soon they discovered that the water body was completely covered with green floating plants and fishes started dying in large numbers.

Analyse the situation and give reasons for excessive growth of plants and death of fish in the lake.

Solution:

Addition of fertilisers promoted the excessive growth of aquatic plants and the surface of water was completely covered with those aquatic plants. These plants used up most of the oxygen available. The growth of these plants resulted in the depletion of light in the water body and insufficient availability of dissolved oxygen. This resulted in the death of fish.

Question: 28

What measures would you take to conserve electricity in your house?

Solution:

Measures:

(a) Using solar water heater when we require hot water.

(b) Switching off fans and bulbs when not required.

(d) Avoiding use of room heater in winter; rather using more woollen clothes.

Question: 29

Although coal and petroleum are produced by degradation of bio- mass, yet we need to conserve them. Why?

Solution:

Coal and petroleum take millions of years for their formation. The current rate of formation of petroleum or coal is much slower than the rate at which they are being used up. Thus, we need to conserve them.

Question: 30

Suggest a few measures for controlling carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Solution:

Some of the measures that can be taken for controlling carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are:

(a) Using CNG or clean fuel instead of petrol in automobiles

(b) Preventing the release of harmful gases by proper treatment of smokes

(d) Using alternate source of energy instead of fossil fuels

Question: 31

(a) Locate and name the water reservoirs in Figures (a) and (b).

(b) Which has an advantage over the other and why?

Solution:

(a) The water reservoir in figure (a) is a pond. The water reservoir in figure (b) is underground water body.

(b) Underground water has more advantage than pond water due to the following reasons:

i) Pond water evaporates whereas underground water does not.

ii) Pond water cannot be stored for longer duration whereas underground water can be.

iii) Underground water provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area.

iv) Underground water is not contaminated by animal and human waste.

v) Underground water prevents the breeding of insects.

Long Answer Question (6)

Question: 32

In the context of conservation of natural resources, explain the terms reduce, recycle and reuse.

From among the materials that we use in daily life, identify two materials for each category.

Solution:

Reduce: It means to use a material/commodity as less as possible.

Examples: Reduction in consumption of water, electricity, etc.

Recycle: It means sending back the used material to the manufacturer so that they reuse the material for producing some other useful product.

Example: Glass tumblers, metal objects, etc. are returned to the manufacturers to use the materials for making new products.

Reuse: It means using a thing repeatedly instead of throwing it away.

Examples: Using carry bags, bottles, etc. for alternate use like storage of food items, storing water, etc.

Question: 33

Prepare a list of five activities that you perform daily in which natural resources can be conserved or energy utilisation can be minimised.

Solution:

(a) Using unused water for watering plants, cleaning plates, etc.

(b) Using fan, light only when required.

(d) Avoiding leakage of water through tanks, taps, etc.

(e) Avoiding use of polythene bags.

Question: 34

Is water conservation necessary? Give reasons.

Solution:

Due to fluctuation in rainfall, use of water for agriculture and industries, there have been cases of shortage of water.

It is an irony that we face the situation of both drought and flood in many parts of the country. Therefore, it is very important to conserve water.

Question: 35

Suggest a few useful ways of utilising waste water.

Solution:

Some useful ways to utilise waste water are:

(a) Using it for irrigation

(b) Make it available to water treatment plants.

Question: 36

What is the importance of forest as a resource?

Solution:

Forest is a major source of energy and resource for us. Forest not only releases a large quantity of oxygen, but also helps in reducing the pollution due to industries and other man-made activities, regulating water cycles, etc. From forests we get wood, papers, medicines and other raw materials for industries. It also provides a place for various animals to live in.

Question: 37

Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?

Solution:

In 1972, the West Bengal Forest Department took notice of the fact that it had failed in reviving the degraded sal forests in the south-western districts of the state of West Bengal. Due to a complete alienation of the people from the administration, there had been frequent clashes between the forest officials and the villagers.

The department changed its strategy and involved villagers in the protection of 1,272 hectares of badly degraded sal forest. In return, the villagers were given:

· employment

· harvesting operations

· 25 per cent of the final harvest and

· allowed fuel wood and fodder collection on payment of a nominal fee.

This helped in the conservation of the sal forests.

Lesson: Management of Natural Resources

Question: 1

What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment friendly?

Solution:

We can make the following changes in our habits to be more eco-friendly:

(a) Avoiding wastage of water, electricity and food

(b) Recycling and reusing wastes

(d) Using public transport as much as possible

Question: 2

What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?

Solution:

Exploiting resources with short term aims only solves short term problems.

This may help in overcoming current issues and providing quick solutions.

However, no sustainable development is possible with such aims.

Question: 3

How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?

Solution:

Exploiting resources with short term goal helps in overcoming current issues and providing quick solutions.

However, no sustainable development is possible with such aims.

On the other hand, it is important to have a long-term perspective in managing our resources. This not only ensures a safe present for us, but also a safe future for us, as well as for future generations.

Question: 4

Why do you think there should be equitable distribution of resources?

What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of our

resources?

Solution:

By equitable distribution of resources, we mean judicious and uniform distribution of resources among all stake holders in an ecosystem.

When resources are planned keeping in mind the long-term perspective and addressing needs of everyone, it is more likely to have a balanced and sustainable growth.

Some of the forces that work against the equitable distribution of resources are:

(a) Disparity of income between people

(b) Economic and military power of different nations

(d) Human greed, commercialisation and industrialisation

Question: 5

Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?

Solution:

Forest is a major source of energy and resource for us. Forest not only releases a large quantity of oxygen, but also helps in reducing the pollution due to industries and other man-made activities. From forests we get wood, papers, medicines and other raw materials for industries. Forest and other wild life are part of an ecosystem.

Conservation of forest requires the conservation of the wild life as well.

Question: 6

Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.

Solution:

Conversion of forests into national parks, sanctuaries, motivating local people to be stake holders in the development of forests, passing laws against deforestations, cutting trees, planting more trees, etc. can help in conserving forests.

Question: 7

Compare the water harvesting system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.

Solution:

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 can be used for water harvesting. This involves collection of rain water in a stream, which is then diverted into man-made channels down the hill sides.

Questions

Q1	What are the 3 R’s to save environment?

Q2	Which is better: recycle or reuse. Justify.

Q3	List out some of the movement or acts in conserving forest.

Q4	What is the purpose of dams?

Q5	What are biodiversity hot spots? What is the measure of the biodiversity?

Q6	What are the two kinds of natural resources?

Q7	What are fossil fuels?

Q8	Why are coal and petroleum considered to be non-renewable source of energy?

Q9	What is sustainable management of natural resources?

Q10	Why should we conserve forests and wild life?

Q11	List out some of the damages caused to forests.

Q12	What causes water scarcity?

Q13	Who are the stakeholders in conserving forests?

Q14	Why do we need to use our resources carefully? Justify.

Q15	Even though dams store water in large scale, it has some disadvantages. List out some of the disadvantages of dams.

Q16	How is coal formed?

Q17	Why is conservation of forest very important for us? Suggest ways for conservation of forests.

Q18	State the benefits of water harvesting.

Q19	Burning fossil fuels cause global warming. Explain.

Q20

Rainwater harvesting is an age-old practice in India. Do you agree with the statement? Explain with suitable examples.

Questions

Q1	What are the 3 R’s to save environment?

A1	The 3R’s to save our environment are: Reduce – Reduce unnecessary usage of natural resources Recycle – Recycle and use the natural resources in different forms Reuse – Use the same resources again and again.

Q2	Which is better: recycle or reuse. Justify.

A2	Reuse is better than recycling because the process of recycling uses some energy. In the ‘reuse’ strategy, you simply use things again and again.

Q3	List out some of the movement or acts in conserving forest.

A3	(a) Forest Conservation Act (1980) (b) National Forest Policy (1988) (c) Joint Forest Management (1992)

Q4	What is the purpose of dams?

A4	The purposes of dams are: (a) Water storage in large scale for irrigation (b) Generation of electricity

Q5	What are biodiversity hot spots? What is the measure of the biodiversity?

A5	Forests are the biodiversity hot spots. One measure of the biodiversity of an area is the number of species found here.

Q6	What are the two kinds of natural resources?

A6	The two kinds of natural resources are: (a) Exhaustible resources that are likely to be reduced with continued exploitation (b) Inexhaustible resources that occur in abundance and do not diminish with time

Q7	What are fossil fuels?

A7	Fossil fuels are formed as a result of the sedimentation of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago and whose remains were deposited at the bottom of estuaries and swamps. They are the main source of energy for industrial societies.

Q8	Why are coal and petroleum considered to be non-renewable source of energy?

Q9	What is sustainable management of natural resources?

A9	Sustainable management of natural resources means to meet the needs of the current generation of people without exhausting the resources for future generations. It is also to keep balance between development and environment.

Q10	Why should we conserve forests and wild life?

A10	Forests and wild life should be conserved for preserving our precious environment. They together maintain ecological balance and the forests help to maintain biodiversity which enriches many species. We should conserve them for our economic and social growth and to meet our material needs.

Q11	List out some of the damages caused to forests.

A11	(a) Building rest houses for tourists in national parks (b) Grazing domestic animals in national parks (c) Tourists throwing plastic bottles/covers and other litter in national parks

Q12	What causes water scarcity?

A12	(a) Rainfall only during a few months in a year that too in very little amount (b) Increase in population (c) Diversion for high water demanding crops (d) Pollution from industrial effluents and urban wastes

Q13	Who are the stakeholders in conserving forests?

A13

Stakeholders responsible for conserving forests are:

Local people: These people live in or around the forests. They are dependent on the forest for food, woods and other forest products.

Forest Department: The Government owns the forest. The Government, through the forest department, controls the resources of the forests.

The industrialists: Forest is a source of raw materials for various industries. Industrialists get the raw materials from the forest.

The wild life and nature enthusiasts: These people do not take any direct benefit from the forest. They work towards conserving the nature in its pristine form.

Q14	Why do we need to use our resources carefully? Justify.

A14

Resources need to be used carefully for the following reasons:

(a) Limited resources: The resources that we use are broadly of two types: exhaustible and inexhaustible. Exhaustible resources need to be used carefully as these are limited in quantity and would not be available for future use if not used judiciously.

(b) Growing human population leading to more demand for resources: The population of the world has crossed 6 billion and there has seen a sharp rise in the last 100 years. In order to meet the growing demand for resources, we not only need to manage the existing resources well, but also explore and utilise alternate sources of energy.

(c) Problems of pollution: The use of resources like coal, petroleum, etc. for various purposes results in the emission of unwanted particles and gases in the atmosphere. These particles contribute to land, water and air pollutions. It is important that we use scientific methods for using these resources, to avoid pollution and environmental hazards.

Q15	Even though dams store water in large scale, it has some disadvantages. List out some of the disadvantages of dams.

A15

The following are some of the disadvantages of dams.

a) There is no equal distribution of water. People nearby grow water intensive crops those far away do not get any water.

b) Vast area of agricultural land is compromised.

c) Construction of dams result in deforestation.

d) It causes biological imbalance and destroys biodiversity

Q16	How is coal formed?

A16

Coal is essentially made from dead plant materials. Around 300 million years ago, in the Carboniferous Period, huge ferns grew in the tropical climate and dead plants sank in the swamps. The dead plant layers forced oxygen out and left rich carbon deposits. The pressure of this layer pressed the water out of the remains of the plants slowly. This at first gave rise to brown coal. Hard coal was formed when the pressure increased further. It is found in deeper layers and is a high-quality fuel. It is dug out in mines.

Q17	Why is conservation of forest very important for us? Suggest ways for conservation of forests.

A17

Forest has been a source of energy for centuries. Different stake holders in due course of time have exploited forest with the narrow vision of promoting self-interest. This has caused damage to the flora and fauna of the forests resulting in unavoidable ecological imbalance. We need to conserve the forests so that the ecological order is not disturbed.

Some approaches towards the conservation of forests are as follows:

(a) People should show their participation in saving the forest by protesting against the cutting of trees.

(b) Planting of trees should be increased.

(d) Government should strictly follow rules against poaching, deforestation, etc.

(e) All stake holders of forests should be encouraged to protect the trees and the wild life.

Q18	State the benefits of water harvesting.

A18	The benefits of water harvesting are: (a)Provides self-sufficiency to water supply (b) Conserves valuable ground water (c) Reduces cost for pumping ground water (d) Reduces local flooding and drainage problems

Q19	Burning fossil fuels cause global warming. Explain.

A19

Fossil fuels are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur. When these are burnt, carbon dioxide, water and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen are released. Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels release carbon monoxide. When more and more fossil fuels are burnt, then more and more carbon dioxide is formed in the greenhouse layer in the earth’s atmosphere which causes global warming.

Q20	Rainwater harvesting is an age-old practice in India. Do you agree with the statement? Explain with suitable examples.

A20

Yes, it is true that rainwater harvesting is an age-old practice in India. The availability of water is not the same in all parts of our country. India gets most of its rain during the monsoon.

Based on the local situations, different regions of our country have developed different water harvesting structures. Most of these structures are still in use.

Examples:

Regions	Ancient water harvesting structures used
Rajasthan	Khadins, Tanks and Nadis
Maharashtra	Bandharas and Tals
Madhya Pradesh & UP	Bundhis
Bihar	Ahars and Pynes

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Short Answer Questions (7)

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Long Answer Question (6)

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