SST ( Geography ) for Class 10 ( Contemporary India – || ) previous year questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: What population of India is engaged in agricultural activities?
(a) Two-Third
(b) Three-Fourth
(c) One-Fourth
(d) Two-Fourth
Ans: A

Q2: What is ‘Boro’?
(a) Kharif crop
(b) Zaid crop
(c) Rabi crop
(d) None of these
Ans: A

Q3: Which out of the following is a Zaid crop?
(a) Moong
(b) Mustard
(c) Urad
(d) Watermelon
Ans: D

Q4: Which of the following farming practice depends upon monsoon, natural fertility of the soil and suitability of other environmental conditions?
(a) Commercial farming
(b) Intensive subsistence farming
(c) Primitive subsistence farming
(d) Plantation
Ans: C

Q5: Tick the characteristics of commercial farming.
(a) Plots of land are fragmented.
(b) Transport and communication plays an important role.
(c) The yield is usually low.
(d) The pressure of population is high on land.
Ans: B

Q6: Watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, vegetables and fodder crops are the types of
(a) Zaid crop
(b) Kharif crop
(c) Rabi crop
(d) None of these
Ans: A

Q7: Which of the following is the staple food crop of a majority of the people in India?
(a) Jowar
(b) Bajra
(c) Wheat
(d) Rice
Ans: D

Q8: Which type of agriculture practice is famous in North-Eastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland?
(a) Jhumming
(b) Slash and burn farming
(c) Commercial farming
(d) Subsistence farming
Ans: A

Q9: The crop that is used both, as food and fodder.
(a) ragi
(b) jowar
(c) maize
(d) none of these
Ans: B

Q10: Aus, aman and boro are types of which crop?
(a) Maize
(b) Paddy
(c) Jowar
(d) Bajra
Ans: B

Fill in the Blank

Q1: Agriculture provides livelihood to more than 63 percent of India’s ………. .
Ans: population

Q2: The three types of tea are ………. , ………. , ………. .
Ans: Green, black, oolong

Q3: India has three cropping seasons: ………. , ………. and ………. .
Ans: rabi, kharif, zaid

Q4: ………. is a name given to ‘slash and burn’ agriculture in North-Eastern States of India.
Ans: Jhumming

Q5: Millets are also called ………. .
Ans: Coarse grains

True/False
Q1: Intensive subsistence farming is a bush or tree farming.
Ans: False

Q2: Kharif crop requires temperature between 21cC to 27cC.
Ans: True

Q3: Agriculture is an age-old and a primary economic activity.
Ans: True

Q4: Coffee plantations are located in Odisha, Bengal and Bihar.
Ans: False

Q5: Crops grown between March and June are known as ‘Zaid’ crops.
Ans: False

Assertion and Reason Type Questions

Direction: In the following questions, a statement of assertion is followed by a statement of reason. Mark the correct choice as :
Q1: Assertion : Biochemical inputs and irrigation are used for obtaining higher production.
Reason : Doses of biochemical input are used to grow crops rapidly.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A 

Q2: Assertion : Tea cultivation, is a labour – intensive industry.
Reason : Cultivation can be done throughout the year .Tea bushes require warm and moist frost- free climate.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: B

Q3: Assertion : Crops are grown depending upon the variations in soil, climate and cultivation practices.
Reason : Crops are also grown according to availability of water.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: B

Q4: Assertion : Plantation has an interface of agriculture and industry.
Reason : Plantation is a type of commercial farming, a single crop is grown on a large area.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A  

Q5: Assertion : Organic farming is much in vogue.
Reason : In organic forming, crops are grown using high doses to increase production.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: C

Q6: Assertion : India’s primary activity is Agriculture.
Reason : Two-thirds of its population is engaged in agricultural activities.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A 

Q7: Assertion : Pulses are not considered as a major source of protein in a vegetarian diet.
Reason : Rice is a rabi crop and requires lot of rain to grow.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: D

Q8: Assertion : Agriculture is not an old economic activity.
Reason : Farming varies from subsistence to commercial type.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: D  

Q9: Assertion : apple food crop in India is rice and requires less rain.
Reason : Our country is the fourth largest producer of rice in the world.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: C

Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Name the crops for which India is the largest producer in the world.
Ans: Fruits and vegetables, oilseeds and pulses

Q2: Describe ‘Jhumming cultivation’ in one sentence.
Ans: ‘Slash and burn’ cultivation in North- Eastern states of India.

Q3: In which states three crops of paddy are grown ? Which are they ?
Ans: 1. In states like Assam, West Bengal and Orissa three crops of paddy are grown.
2. Three crops are Aus, Aman and Boro. 

Q4: What type of crop is wheat ?
Ans: It is a cereal crop. It is the main food crop in north and north-western part of India

Q5: When does the zaid season fall ?
Ans: Zaid season falls in between the rabi and kharif seasons during summer months.

Q6: Mention India’s cropping seasons.
Ans: India has three cropping seasons e.g., rabi, kharif and zaid.

Q7: In the areas of less rainfall how does rice grow ?
Ans: In the areas of less rainfall i.e., less than 100 cm, rice grows with the help of irrigation.

Q8: What is other name of primitive subsistence farming ?
Ans: It is known as ‘slash and burn’ agriculture.

Q9: Which are important wheat-growing zones in India ?
Ans: There are two important wheat growing zones in the country – the Ganga-Satluj plains in the north-west and black soil region of the Deccan.

Q10: Which are important kharif crops ?
Ans: Important kharif crops are paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur, moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut and soyabean.

Q11: By which other name is ‘slash and burn’ agriculture known?
Ans:  Primitive subsistence farming/jhumming

Q12: Hoe, dao, digging sticks are associated with which type of farming?
Ans: Primitive subsistence farming.

Q13: Which crop is the major crop of rabi?
Ans: Wheat

Q14: Name the two important wheat growing zones in India.
Ans: The Ganga-Satluj plains in the north-west and black soil region of the Deccan.

Q15: Name some plantation crops.
Ans: Tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane and banana.

Q16: Which two areas of India produce oranges mainly?
Ans: Nagpur in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Q17: India is the largest producer as well as consumer of which agricultural product in the world?
Ans: Pulses.

Q18: Which crop is known as golden fibre?
Ans: Jute.

Q19: In which type of soil does maize grow well?
Ans: Old alluvial.

Q20: What type of soil is suited for cultivation of tea?
Ans: Deep fertile well drained soil rich in humus and organic matter is suited for cultivation of tea.

Q21: Mention two characteristics of commercial farming.
Ans: High doses of fertilisers and pesticides are used in commercial farming.

Q22: Which price is announced by the government in support of a crop?
Ans: Minimum Support Price is announced by the government in support of a crop.

Q23: Name four major wheat producing states in India.
Ans: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are the four major wheat producing states in India

Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Define plantation farming. What are its main characteristics? Name any five plantation crops of India.
Ans: Plantation farming is a bush or tree farming. In this type of farming a single crop in grown on a large area. Characteristics – This type of agriculture is found in:
(1) Hilly areas or North India, Sub Himalayas, W Bengal, Nilgiris, Andaman and cardamom hills.
(2) The plantation has an interface of agriculture and industry.
(3) Covers large areas of land.
(4) It is capital intensive, i.e it requires expensive inputs, requires skilled laboureres.
(5) All the production is used as raw material in respective industries. The important crops are tea, coffee, banana, sugarcane etc.

Q2: Give the characteristics of commercial farming?
Ans: (1) Use of higher doses of modern inputs, that is high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides in order to obtain higher productivity.
(2) Agriculture goods are mainly produced for sale.
(3) The main crops are rice, millets, spices, cotton, etc. The farmer can sell them on commercial lines.
(4) The degree of commercialization varies from one region to another. For example, rice is a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but in Orissa, it is subsistence farming.

Q3: What is slash and burn agriculture?
Ans: In this farmers clear a patch of land and produce cereals and other crops to sustain their family, when the soil looses its fertility, the farmers shift and clear a fresh patch of land for cultivation. Nature replenishes the fertility of soil through natural processes. Land productivity in this type of agriculture is low, because the farmers do not use fertilizers or other modern inputs. It is generally known as shifting agriculture, but also known in different names in different parts of the country

Q4: Define subsistence farming and give its main characteristics.
Ans: Refers to an agricultural system where crops are produced for self use or for circulation within the social networks for ritual, ceremonial exchange purpos, and some food may be sold in the market.
Characteristics:-
(a) Small scattered land holding.
(b) Primitive tools.
(c) Farmers being poor do not use fertilizers and high yielding quality seeds as per requirement, facilities like electricity, irrigation, generally is not available to farmers.
(d) It has given way to commercial agriculture to some extent.

Q5: What are the different types of farming / agriculture practiced in India?
Ans: (1) Primitive Subsistence Farming – Known by different name in different parts of India, subdivided into shifting agriculture.
(2) Intensive Subsistence Farming – Practiced in areas of high population pressure. It is labour intensive.
(3) Commercial Farming – Includes plantation farming.

Q6: Describe the geographical conditions required for the growth of rice.
Ans: It is a kharif crop, which requires – (a) High Temperature – above 15. C and high humidity.
(b) Rainfall – Annual rainfall above 100cms. In areas of less rainfall, it grows with the help of irrigation.
(c) Plains of North and North-eastern India, coastal areas and deltaic regions are suitable for the growth of rice.

Q7: How have technological and institutional reforms been able to improve the conditions of Indian farmers?
Ans: The Zamindari system in which property rights are vested on absentee landlords was abolished after India became independent. Ownership rights were transferred to the actual tillers of the land. The new land owners made improvements on their lands. This led to increase in yields.
Land ceiling acts were passed to ensure that no person could hold agricultural land beyond a specified limit. The excess land was distributed among the landless labourers.
Small land holdings scattered over various places were consolidated through the Consolidation of holdings Acts passed by the State legislatures. This resulted in farmers being able to fence their lands, sink wells and use modern agricultural machinery. Formation of Corporative societies helped farmers get seeds, pesticides and fertilizers at economical prices. All these helped improve the condition of the Indian farmers.

Q8: What is the importance of agriculture on Indian economy? Name 3 features of Indian agriculture.
Ans: a. India is an agricultural country.
b. Nearly two-thirds of its population depends directly on agriculture for its livelihood.
c. Agriculture is the main stay of India’s economy.
d. It accounts for 26% of the gross domestic product.
e. It ensures food security for the country and produces several raw materials for industries.
f. Agricultural development is therefore, a precondition of our national prosperity.
Features
a. Farmers own small piece of land and grow crops primarily for their own consumption.
b. Animals play a significant role in the various kinds of agricultural activities.
c. Farmers depend mainly upon monsoon rains 

Q9: Describe various technological and institutional reforms, which led to Green and White revolutions in India.
Ans: The various technological and institutional reforms consist of various measures taken by the Central and State governments from time to time. Flooding of fields with water is now being replaced by drip irrigation and the use of sprinklers. Chemical fertilizers are being used on a large scale, to increase the farm yields. Bio- fertilisers are now supplementing them. High yielding and early maturing quality seeds have been developed. Most of these technology inputs gave birth to Green Revolution in sixties and seventies of twentieth century. White Revolution followed the Green Revolution.

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: Rana pratapsagar dam located in?
(A) Odisha
(B) Uttrakhund
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Andrapradesh
Ans: C

Q2: Bamboo drip irrigation system is prevalent in.
(A) Manipur
(B) Meghalaya
(C) Mizoram
(D) Chhattisgarh
Ans: B

Q3: The Hirakud project was built in _______ basin.
(A) Indus
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Ganga
(D) Ravi
Ans: B

Q4: The Narmada Bachao Aandolan was associated with which state?
(A) Gujarat
(B) Himachal Pradesh
(C) Uttrakhand
(D) Karnataka
Ans: A

Q5: The remote village that has earned the rare distinction of being rich in rain wateris.
(A) Gari
(B) Kaza
(C) Gendathur
(D) None of these
Ans: C

Q6: Name the village where almost all the house traditionally had tankas.
(A)Rajasthan
(B) Odisha
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Maharastra
Ans: A

Q7: Which of the following river is not having any multipurpose river project?
(A) Sutlej
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Yamuna
(D) Narmada
Ans: C

Q8: During whose reign were the dams, lakes and irrigation system built extensively?
(A) Ashoka
(B) Akbar
(C) Chandragupta Maurya
(D) None of these
Ans: C

Q9: What where “guls”
(A) Reservoir
(B) Artificial lake
(C) Diversion channel
(D) None of these
Ans: C

Q10: Tehri dam Andolan is mainly concerned with the state of?
(A) Uttarakhand
(B) Chhattisgarh
(C) Jharkhand
(D) None of these
Ans: A

Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Name any one river valley project which has significantly contributed to the loss of forests.
Ans:  Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Q2: How much percent of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exist as fresh water?
Ans: 2.5 percent.

Q3: What are the causes of water scarcity?
Ans:  Rapid growth of population, uneven distribution of water resources and increase in demand of water.

Q4: On which river has the Hirakud Dam been constructed?
Ans:  River Mahanadi.

Q5: Who proclaimed dams as the temples of modem India?
Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru.

Q6: Name two social movements which were against the multipurpose projects.
Ans: Narmada Bachao Andolan and Tehri Dam Andolan.

Q7: On which river the Salal Dam is built?
Ans:  Chenab.

Q8: Which water is recharged by the roof-top rainwater harvesting technique?
Ans: Groundwater.

Q9. In which state is the Bamboo Drip Irrigation system practised?
Ans. Meghalaya

Q10: In which region, people build ‘Guls’ or ‘Kuls’ for irrigation?
Ans: Western Himalayas.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Mention any four main objectives of multi -purpose river valley projects. Name any two Multipurpose Projects of India. 
OR
What is a multipurpose river valley project? Mention any four objectives of it. 
Ans: A project where many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another is known as multipurpose project. It is built for irrigation, power generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, etc.

Q2: Explain the working of underground tanks as a part of roof top rainwater harvesting system practised in Rajasthan.
OR
How were the underground tanks beneficial to the people of Rajasthan? Explain. 
OR
Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semiarid regions of Rajasthan is carried out. 
Ans:  a. In semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan almost all the houses traditionally had underground tanks for storing drinking water.
b. They are extremely reliable source of drinking water when other sources are dried up. This is considered the purest form of natural water.
c. The tanks can be as large as big rooms.
d. The tanks were part of the well- developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system.
e. The tanks were built inside the main house or the courtyard giving cooling effect to the rooms in the summer.
f. Those tanks were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
g. Rain falling on these rooftops would travel down the pipe and stored in these underground tanks.
h. Usually first: rain water is not collected to clean the rooftop and the pipe. 

Q3: How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India. Explain.
OR
How does urbanization and urban lifestyle lead to over exploitation of water resources? Explain.
OR
How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India? Explain.
Ans: Post independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation.
a. Arrival of MNC’s: Apart from fresh water they require electricity which comes from hydroelectric power.
b. Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban life styles have not only added to water and energy requirements, but have further aggravated the problem.
c. Large-scale migration from rural to urban areas is causing over exploitation of water resources.

Q4:  List any three advantages and three disadvantages of multipurpose river project.
OR 
What are the advantages and disadvantages of multipurpose river project.
Ans:  Advantages:
a. These are the main source of power generation.
b. They provide us neat, pollution free and cheapest energy which is the backbone of industry and agriculture.
c. These projects control the floods because water can be stored in them. These projects have converted many, ‘rivers of sorrows’ into ‘rivers of boon’.
d. These projects are the main source of irrigation and also help in conserving soil.
Disadvantages:
a. Due to the construction of dams, there are no adequate floods in the river. Because of this, the soil of the downstream region does not get nutrient rich silt.
b. Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate for spawning, i.e., to produce eggs.
c. It resulted in displacement of local communities.
The local people often have to give up their land and livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources for the greater need of the nation.

Q5: Describe any three traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of India.
or
Describe any three different rainwater harvesting systems practised in India.
or
“Rainwater harvesting system is viable alternative both socially, economically and environmentally”. Support the statement with three examples.
Ans: a. In hilly and mountainous regions, people build diversion channels like ‘gul’ or ‘kul’ in Western Himalaya for agriculture.
b. Roof-top rainwater harvesting was commonly practised to store drinking water particularly in Rajasthan.
c. In West Bengal, people develop inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
d. In semi-arid regions agricultural fields are converted into rainfed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moist the soil

Q6: Why is groundwater a highly overused resource?
Ans: Groundwater is a highly overused resource because of the following reasons:
a. Due to large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water and unequal access to it.
b. To facilitate higher food grain production for large population, water resources are being over exploited to expand irrigated areas and dry season agriculture.
c. In the housing societies or colonies in the cities, there is an arrangement of own ground water pumping devices to meet water needs.

Q7: Explain the working of underground tanks as a part of roof top rainwater harvesting system practised in Rajasthan.
or
How were the underground tanks beneficial to the people of Rajasthan? Explain.
or
Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semiarid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.
Ans: a. In semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan almost all the houses traditionally had underground tanks for storing drinking water.
b. They are extremely reliable source of drinking water when other sources are dried up. This is considered the purest form of natural water.
c. The tanks can be as large as big rooms.
d. The tanks were part of the well- developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system.
e. The tanks were built inside the main house or the courtyard giving cooling effect to the rooms in the summer.
f. Those tanks were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
g. Rain falling on these rooftops would travel down the pipe and stored in these underground tanks.
h. Usually first: rain water is not collected to clean the rooftop and the pipe.

Q8: Mention any four main objectives of multi -purpose river valley projects. Name any two Multipurpose Projects of India.
or
What is a multipurpose river valley project? Mention any four objectives of it.
Ans: A project where many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another is known as multipurpose project. It is built for irrigation, power generation, water supply, flood control, recreation, etc.

Q9: What is Bamboo Drip Irrigation? Mention any two features of it.
Ans: Bamboo Drip Irrigation system is a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipe and transporting water from higher to lower regions through gravity.
Features:
a. 18-20 liters of water enters the bamboo pipe system, get transported over hundreds of meters and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the site of the plant.
b. The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.

Q10: How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India. Explain.
or
How does urbanization and urban lifestyle lead to over exploitation of water resources? Explain.
or
How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing freshwater resources in India? Explain.
Ans: Post independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation.
a. Arrival of MNC’s: Apart from fresh water they require electricity which comes from hydroelectric power.
b. Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban life styles have not only added to water and energy requirements, but have further aggravated the problem.
c. Large-scale migration from rural to urban areas is causing over exploitation of water resources.

Long Answer Type Questions
Q1: Why is roof-top water harvesting important in Rajasthan? Explain. 
Ans:  Roof top water harvesting is important in Rajasthan because:
a. It was commonly practised to store drinking water.
b. The rainwater can be stored in the tanks till the next rainfall, making it an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers.
c. Rain water, or palar pani, as commonly referred to in these parts, is considered the purest form of natural water.
d. Many houses construct underground rooms adjoining the ‘tanka’ to beat the summer heat as it would keep the room cool.
e. Some houses still maintain the tanks since they do not like the taste of tap water.

Q2: Describe any four traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of India.
Ans:  Methods of rainwater harvesting used in India are:
a. Guls and Kuls: People built guls and kuls in hilly and mountainous regions to divert water. These are simple channels. They are mainly used in the Western Himalayas.
b. Roof top rainwater harvesting: Commonly practised to store drinking water in Rajasthan.
c. Inundation Channels: These channels developed in the flood plains of Bengal to irrigate fields.
d. Khadins and Johads: In arid and semi-arid regions, some agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures. These structures are found in Rajasthan.
e. Tankas: The tankas were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and was stored in these underground ‘tankas’. The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected. The rainwater can be stored in the tankas. 

Q3: Describe any four traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of India.
Ans: Methods of rainwater harvesting used in India are:
a. Guls and Kuls: People built guls and kuls in hilly and mountainous regions to divert water. These are simple channels. They are mainly used in the Western Himalayas.
b. Roof top rainwater harvesting: Commonly practised to store drinking water in Rajasthan.
c. Inundation Channels: These channels developed in the flood plains of Bengal to irrigate fields.
d. Khadins and Johads: In arid and semi-arid regions, some agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures. These structures are found in Rajasthan.
e. Tankas: The tankas were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and was stored in these underground ‘tankas’. The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected. The rainwater can be stored in the tankas.

Q4: Why is roof-top water harvesting important in Rajasthan? Explain.
Ans: Roof top water harvesting is important in Rajasthan because:
a. It was commonly practised to store drinking water.
b. The rainwater can be stored in the tanks till the next rainfall, making it an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers.
c. Rain water, or palar pani, as commonly referred to in these parts, is considered the purest form of natural water.
d. Many houses construct underground rooms adjoining the ‘tanka’ to beat the summer heat as it would keep the room cool.
e. Some houses still maintain the tanks since they do not like the taste of tap water.

Q5: India is heading towards water scarcity trace to possible solution to tackle this problem.
Ans: The major concern now in the country is water scarcity which can be tackled with the help of following methods
1. Interlinking of river.
2. Rainfall in India is the second highest after Brazil but the distribution is highly uneven certain channeling by Oil Company can solve the problem of distribution of water.
3. Over use and wastage of water in day to day life activities need to be controlled.
4. Thermal pollution need to be inhibited.
5. Bottled water or water packaging industries need to be dominated by strong hands and law regarding extraction of groundwater should be there.
6. Over irrigation and agriculture industry need to considered a decreasing trend of groundwater.
7. Proper disposal of waste otherwise leaches may pollute groundwater.
8. Rainwater harvesting in bamboo drip irrigation system can be helped a lot.

Q6: In what ways the Intensive industrialization and urbanization responsible for water scarcity?
Ans: (i) The ever increasing number of industry has made matters words by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources.
Industries apart from being heavy user of water, also require power to run them much of them play this energy come from hydro electric power
(ii) Multiplying urban center with large and dense population and urban lifestyle have not only added to water and energy requirement but have further aggravated the problem.
(iii) In housing societies or colonies we would find that most of these have their own groundwater pumping device to meet their water needs with the result, fragile water resources are been overexploited and have caused their depletion in several cities.

Q7: What do you know about bamboo drip irrigation system?
Ans: In Meghalaya, 200 year old system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes is prevalent.
(i)Bamboo pipes are used to divert perennial spring on the hilltop to the lower reaches bt the gravity.
(ii)The channel section made of bamboo; divert water to the plant site, where it is distributed into branches.
(iii) If the pipes pass roads, they are taken high above the land on the tree branches.
(iv) Reduced channel sections and diversion unit are used at the last stage of water application.
(v) The last channel section enables water to be dropped near the root of the plant.

Multiple Choice Questions
Q1: Which of these statements is not a valid reason for the depletion of flora and fauna?
(a) Agricultural expansion
(b) Large -scale developmental project
(c) Grazing and fuel wood collection
(d) Rapid industrialisation and Urbanisation
Ans: C

Q2: Which of the following conservation strategies does not directly involve community participation?
(a) Joint forest management
(b) Beti Bachao Andolan
(c) Chipko Movement
(d) Demarcation of Wildlife sanctuaries
Ans: D

Q3: The forest cover in our country has recently increased due to :
(a) Increase in natural forest growth
(b) Increase in net sown area
(c) Plantation by different agencies
(d) None of the above
Ans: C

Q4: Substantial parts of the tribal belts in north -eastern India have been deforested by:
(a) Shifting cultivation
(b) Mining
(c) Infrastructure development
(d) None of the above
Ans: A

Q5: Forest and wastelands belonging to both private individuals and government are known as:
(a) Sacred groves
(b) Reserved forests
(c) Protected forest
(d) Unclassed forests
Ans: D

Q6: Which one of the following is an endangered species of Manipur?
(a) Blue sheep
(b) Asiatic Buffalo
(c) Sangai
(d) Cattle
Ans: C

Q7: In which year the Indian Wildlife protection Act was implemented?
(a) 1970
(b) 1971
(c) 1972
(d)1974
Ans: C

Q8: In which one the following states Periyar tiger reserves located?
(a) Kerala
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) West Bengal
Ans: A

Q9: What was the aim of the Chipko movement?
(a) human right
(b) agriculture expansion
(c) political rights
(d) forest conservation
Ans: D

Q10: The Buxar tiger reserve is situated in which of the following states?
(a) west Bengal
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Goa
Ans: A

Very Short Question Answers
Q11: What is the role of forest in ecological system?
Ans: Forest is the primary producer in which all living organism depend.

Q12: Which species are called normal species?
Ans: species whose population are considered to be the normal for the survival such as cattle, sheep.

Q13: Which species are considered vulnerable?
Ans: species whose population declined and likely to move in endangered species in the near future.

Q14: What is rare species?
Ans: species with small population may move into endangered category if negative factor affecting them continue to operate. Example desert fox.

Q15: What are endemic species?
Ans: Species that are found in only particular area. example Nicobar pigeon.

Q16: How were forest depleted by tribal people of India?
Ans: Substantial part of tribal belts, especially in the north-eastern and central India has cleared the forest for practicing shifting cultivation or Jhumming agriculture.

Q17: Which forest are protected forest?
Ans: Almost one third of the total forest are protected forest, as declared by forest department. These forest lands are protected from any further depletion.

Q18: Which forest is categorized as unclassed forest?
Ans: These are other forest belonging to government and private individual or communities.

Q19: What do you know about Chipko movement?
Ans: The famous Chipko movement resisted deforestation in several area and show community afforestation

Q20: What do you understand by joint forest management programme?
Ans: Joint Forest Management Programme. In it, local communities are involved in management and restoration of degraded forest in India.

Short Question Answers
Q21: How are flora and fauna in India under great threat?
Ans: (I) India is one of the world’s richest countries in flora and fauna this diverse flora and fauna are so well integrated in our daily lifestyle
(II) But they are under great stress mainly due to in sensitivity towards the involvement
(III) Some estimate suggest that at least 10% of India’s wild flora and 20% of mammals are on threatening list
(IV)Many of these are on the verge of extinction like cheetah pink headed duck plant like madhca .

Q22: What were the provisions of India wildlife act of 1972?
Ans: (I) It was implemented with various provision for protecting habitat.
(II)The trust of program was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by bending hunting giving legal protection to their habitat and restricting trade in wildlife.

Q23: How the villagers of Alwar district of Rajasthan are are struggling to conserve their forest and wild life?
Ans: The inhabitants of 5 villages in the Alwar district of Rajasthan have declared 1200 hectares of forest as badave dock of century declaring their own set of rules and regulation which do not align hunting and are protecting the wildlife against outside encroachment

Q24: Grazing and fuel wood collection are not responsible for deforestation in India. Support the statement with suitable reason.
Ans: Many environmentalists hold of you that grazing and fuel wood collection are responsible for depletion of forest.
But actually more try are cut father need of teak wood for furniture and other requirement
Due to rapid industrialization demand of wood and land made the forest fall due to urbanisation forest are cleared for the settlement of people
These are the real causes of deforestation

Q25: Nature worship is an age old belief. Explain how it helped in forest and wildlife conservation.
Ans: (i) Nature worship is an age old driver belief based on the belief that all creation of nature have to be protected. Search believes have preserved several virgin forest in pristine form. These are called sacred grooves
(ii) Dispatches of forest have been left untouched by the local people and any interference with them is banned.
(iii) Some particular trees in the category are Mahua, kadamba, tamarind,pepal, banyan,tulsi and many more. All days trees are protected by local tribes of various region of India and are worshipped or dare leaf are use for auspicious occasion like wedding some religion ceremonies and festival like Diwali

Long Question Answers
Q26: Mention the private and governmental step taken to conserve forest and wildlife.
Ans: (i) In some areas of India local communities are struggling to conserve forest and wildlife along with government officials to secure their own livelihood
(ii) The famous chipko movement in the Himalaya was organised which has not only successful registered deforestation in several areas but has also shown the community a forestation with indigenous species can be enormously successful
(iii) Attempt to revive the traditional conservation method of developing new method of ecological farming and now widespread.
(iv)In India the joint forest management program furnaces as a good example for involving local communities in the management and restoring of degraded forest.
(v) Nature worship is an age old driver belief based on the premise that all creation of nature have to be protected such believe have preserved several virgin forest in pristine form called sacred grooves.
(vi) The central government has announced several projects for protecting specific animal which wear threatened including the tiger

Q27: Explain any five different categories of existing plant and animal species based on the international union for conservation of nature and natural resource with example
Ans: (i) Normal species: species whose population are considered to normal for survival of them. Example, cattle.
(ii) Endangered species: these are species which are in danger of extinction . Example, crocodile, Indian wild ass, Indian Rhine
(iii) Vulnerable species: these species whose population has declined to level from where it is likely to move into endangered category in future. Example, Asiatic elephant
(iv) Rare species: with small population may move into the endangered category if the negative factor affecting them continues to operate. Examples, Himalayan brown bear
(v) Endemic species: that are found in only a certain area are called endemic species. Example, Nicobar pigeon
(vi) Extinct species: species which are not found now after searches. Example, pink head duck

Important Questions 

Q28: What are endemic species?
Ans:  Endemic species are plants and animals that exist only in one geographic region. Species can be endemic to large or small areas of the earth: some are endemic to a particular continent, some to part of a continent, and others to a single island.

Q29: What is bio-diversity? Why is bio-diversity important for human lives? Analyse.
Ans: Biodiversity refers to diverse flora and fauna that exist in a given area. Plants, animals and human beings are interdependent. It is necessary for human beings as we get fresh air, water, food, etc., from them. Thus, the existence of human beings depends on them. Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. For example, a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. And so, while we dominate this planet, we still need to preserve the diversity in wildlife.
Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival. It is a type of cooperation based on mutual survival that is provided by a balanced eco system. That is why when the ecosystem is disturbed survival of the species becomes difficult.

Q30: Asiatic cheetah belongs to which of the following types of species?
(a) Endangered species
(b) Rare species
(c) Extinct species
(d) Normal species
Ans:  (a) Endangered species

Q31: ‘Large-scale development projects have also contributed significantly to the loss of forests’.
Ans: (i) Since 1951, over 5000 sq km forest was cleared for River Valley Projects.
(ii) Clearing of forests is still continuing with projects like the Narmada Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh which would inundate 40, 000 hectares of forest.
(iii) Mining is another important factor behind deforestation.

Q32: Explain the two famous programmes which have resisted deforestation and involved local communities.
Ans: (a) The Chipko Movement is a good example of community participation in conservation program.
The Chipko movement was a forest conservation movement where people embraced the trees to prevent them from being cut. The first movements date back to 1730 AD when in Khejarli village of Rajasthan, 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to save khejri trees. In modern India, it began in 1973 in Uttarakhand (then in Uttar Pradesh) and went on to become a rallying point for many future environmental movements all over the world.
(b) The Beej Bachao Andolan or BBA was started in Jardhargaon in Tehri Garhwal to conserve and promote indigenous seeds and agricultural practices. It has its roots in the Chipko Movement. Vijay Jardhari a farmer and social activist realized that modern agriculture was destroying traditional farming. He formed the BBA. He decided to discontinue the cultivation of chemical dependent seeds. He and his colleagues found out about traditional varieties of seeds. They got to know about a distinctive variety of red rice called chardhan. Thapchini, jhumkiya, rikhwa and lal basmati were other indigenous varieties.

Q33: How does deforestation affect eco system? Give two reasons.
Ans: Deforestation or cutting of trees affecting the eco system in many ways. It is responsible for climatic change.It accelerates soil erosion and affects underground flow of water deforestation.

Q34: Depletion of forests leads to disappearance of wild life as well as many wild varieties of plants.
 How is Afforestation helpful in maintaining ecological balance?
Ans: Afforestation plays a major role in enhancing the quality of environment. They modify local climate. They influence air temperature and reduce wind forces. Afforestation help in controlling soiler osion.Itprovides natural environment for wild life.Afforestation helps in enhancing the quality of rainfall.

Q35: What is a National Park? Name any two national parks of India?
Ans: A national Park is relatively a large area where several ecosystems exist freely and are not disturbed materially by human exploitation and occupation, and where plants and animal species,aesthetic sites and habitats are of special scientific, educational and recreational interest.There are 89 National parks in the country. The Corbett national Park in Uttarakhand. Dudwa National Park in U.P.

Q36: What is Wildlife Sanctuary? How is it different from National Park?
Ans: A wildlife sanctuary is like a national park but the difference is that in a sanctuary certain types of activities might be permitted. Livestock grazing and collection of forest produce, for instance,may be allowed.In a national park, conservation of species is mostly left to nature, with the least human activities, but in a sanctuary conservation of species is affected by manipulative management.

Q37: What are Biosphere Reserves?
Ans: Biosphere Reserves are multipurpose protected areas created to deal with the issue of conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use.In a biosphere reserves, local communities, management agencies, scientists,cultural groups and non government agencies work together to manage and substantially develop the area resources.Here even agricultural activities are allowed to the local communities and bonafide employment is provided to them. Tourism is allowed to boost revenue.

Q38: Why is the Himalayan Yew in trouble?
Ans: The Himalayan Yew, locally known as the Thuner is a medicinal plant. Its biological name is Texus wallachiana.It is found in certain parts of Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.This wonder plant has a chemical compound taxol which is extracted from its twigs, roots, bark and needles. This chemical is used to manufacture a drug and is the largest anti-cancer drug in the world today.Over the past 10 years this plant has been over-exploited resulting in drying up of trees which could have survived and served their use for more years.

Q39: What steps have been adopted under the Indian Wildlife Act to protect endangered species of animals?
Ans: In response to the conservationist’s demand for national wildlife protection program in 1960s and 1970s, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972.It contained many provisions for protecting habitats. The main focus was on protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species.For this to be accomplished hunting was banned, legal protection was given to their habitats and trade in wildlife was restricted.National parks and wildlife sanctuaries was setup.

Q40:What are the three types of forests as identified by Forest Department?
Ans: Reserved Forests: These are the forests which are permanently earmarked for production of either timber or other forest produce.Protected Forests: As the name indicates these forests are protected from further depletion. Unclassfied Forests: This consists of inaccessible forests or unoccupied wastes.

Q41: Large scale development projects have significantly to the loss of forests. Give reasons to support this statement.
Ans: Large-scale development projects have also contributed significantly to the loss of forests. Since 1951, over 5,000 sq km of forest was cleared for river valley projects.
Clearing of forests is still continuing with projects like the Narmada Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh, which would inundate 40,000 hectares of forests.
They organized food marches, get-togethers and meetings to create awareness about the importance of protecting traditional seeds. BBA actively promotes the use of traditional farming methods like baranaja.

Objective Type Questions
Q1: The resources of ownership are:
(a) plantation
(b) pasture land
(c) ponds
(d) all of the above
Ans: D

Q2: On the basis of its origin, resources can be classified into:
(a) renewable and non-renewable
(b) continuous and biological
(c) biotic and abiotic
(d) recyclable and non-recyclable
Ans: C  

Q3: The ocean resources beyond 200 nautical miles is classified under which zone?
(a) Exclusive Economic Zone
(b) Export-processing Zone
(c) Special Economic Zone
(d) None of these
Ans: A 

Q4: Everything available in our environment to satisfy our needs is termed as:
(a) technology
 (b) resource
(c) natural vegetation
 (d) none of these
Ans: B 

Q5: Which one of the following is the main cause of land degradation in Punjab?
(a) Intensive cultivation
(b) Deforestation
(c) Over irrigation
(d) Overgrazing
Ans: B

Q6: Which of the following is not classified on the basis of status of development?
(a) Potential resource
(b) Developed stock resource
(c) Reserves resource
(d) Renewable resource
Ans: D

Q7: What percentage of land in India consist of fertile plains?
(a) 70%
(b) 38%
(c) 61%
(d) 43%
Ans: D

Q8: Under which of the following type of resource can tidal energy be put?
(a) Replenishable
(b) Human-made
(c) Abiotic
(d) Non-recyclable
Ans: A

Q9: The land which is left uncultivated for more than five agricultural years is called ______?
(a) grazing land
(b) fallow land
(c) culturable wasteland
(d) barren and waste land
Ans: C

Q10: Which soil is also known as regur soil?
(a) Black soil
(b) Red soil
(c) Alluvial soil
(d) Laterite soil
Ans: A

True/False
DIRECTION : Read each of the following statements and write if it is true or false.
Q1:  Judicious use of resources is generally called the Development of Resources.
Ans: False

Q2: Fallow land is the land put to agricultural use and for grazing.
Ans: False

Assertion And Reason

Direction : In the following questions, a statement of assertion is followed by a statement of reason. Mark the correct choice as :

Q1: Assertion : The availability of resources is not the only necessary condition for the development of any region.
Reason : Not only availability of resources but also corresponding change in technology is necessary for development of any region.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A 

Q2: Assertion : Land is a natural resource of utmost importance.
Reason : Land can be used for various purposes.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A

Q3: Assertion : Soil is the most important renewable natural resource.
Reason : Soil supports different types of living organisms on earth.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A

Q4: Assertion : Arid soil is unsuitable for cultivation.
Reason : Arid soil is generally sandy in texture and saline in nature. It restricts the filtration of water.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: C

Q5: Assertion : Terrace cultivation does not restrict erosion.
Reason : Running water cuts through the clayey soils and makes deep channels as gullies. This helps to cultivate crops.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: D 

Q6: Assertion : A country that was extremely rich in natural resources has mainly relied on oil extraction for revenue generation for several centuries. However, the scientists predict that the country may become poor in the future if other means of generating income are not devised.
Reason : Oil is a non-renewable resource, and it is likely to get exhausted if not used judiciously.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: A

Q7: Assertion : The crude oil reserves are going down for the entire world, and the countries need to find substitute fuel for crude oil.
Reason : A country that is dependent on imports for crude oil will demand more crude oil in the future.
(a) If Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) If Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If Both assertion and reason are false.
Ans: B

Very Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: Give one difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Ans: 

• Renewable: Replenished by nature and may be overused e. g., crops and plants.
• Non-renewable: which get exhausted after years of use. e.g, crude oil.

 Q2: What are resources which are found in a region but have not been utilised called? 
Ans:  Potential resources.

Q3: Give examples of abiotic resources.
Ans: Rocks and metals. 

Q4: Which relief features of India has 30 percent of the total surface area of country?
Ans:  Mountain.

Q5: Which regions of India have well developed terrace farming?
Ans: Western and central Himalayas

Short Answer Type Questions
Q1: What is Agenda 21? List its two principles. 
Ans:  Agenda 21 was adopted at first International Earth Summit held in 1992 at Rio de Janerio Brazil.
The two principles are as follows:

• To combat environmental damage, pov¬erty, disease through global cooperation on common interests, mutual needs and shared responsibilities.
• Every local government should draw its own local Agenda 21.

 Q2: In India, some regions are rich in certain types of resources but deficient in some other resources”. Do you agree with the statement? Support your answer with any three examples.
Ans:  Yes, there are regions which are rich in certain types of resources but are deficient in some other resources.

• Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits.
• Arunachal Pradesh has abundance of water resources but lacks in infrastructural development.
• Rajasthan is endowed with solar and wind energy but lacks in water resources.
• Ladakh has rich cultural heritage but lacks in water resources and infrastructure.

 Q3: Which is the main cause of land degradation in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? How can it be checked? Explain.
Ans:  The main cause of land degradation is large scale overgrazing Measures to check include:

• Afforestation and proper management of grazing.
• Planting of shelter belts of plants.
• Stabilization of sand dunes by growing thorny bushes.
• Control on overgrazing.

Q4: Mention any three features of arid soils.
Ans:  Features of arid soils :

• Arid soils range from red to brown in colour.
• They are generally sandy in texture and saline in nature.
• Due to dry climate, high temperature, evaporation is faster and the soil lacks humus and moisture.
• The lower horizons of the soil are occupied by Kankar because of the increasing calcium content downwards.

Q5: Indiscriminate use of resources had led to numerous problems.’ Justify this statement. 
Ans:  Resources are vital for human survival and it was believed that resources are free gift of nature. The indiscriminate use of resources led to the following problems:

• To satisfy the greed of few individuals, depletion of resources has continued.
• Due to the accumulation of resources in few hands, the society gets divided into two segments, e.g., rich and poor.
• Indiscriminate use of resources has ‘ led to ecological crises, e.g., ozone layer depletion, land degradation, global warming and environmental pollution. 

 Q6: Distinguish between the renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Ans:

• Renewable resources: Resources which can be renewed or reproduced by mechanical, physical or chemical processes are known as renewable or replenishable resources, e.g., solar and wind energy, water, forests and wildlife, etc.
• Non-renewable resources: These occur over very long geological times. Minerals and fossil fuels are examples of such resources. These resources take millions of years in their formation. Some of the resources like metals are recyclable and some of them such as fossil fuels cannot be recycled and get exhausted with their use.

Long Answer Type Questions

 Q1: Provide a suitable classification for resources on the basis of ownership. Mention main features of any three types of such resources.
Ans:  On the basis of ownership resources can be classified into the following categories :

• Individual resources: Resources owned by a person or an individual are called individual resources.
  • For example: land owned by farmers, and houses are individual resources.
• Community resources: Resources owned by a particular community or a society are called community owned resources.
  • For example: Graveyard, grazing land, ponds, burial grounds and park ark community owned resources.
• National resources: Resources owned by an individual nation are called national resources.
  • For example: Government land, roads, canals and railways are national resources.
• International resources: Resources regulated or governed by an international body are called international resources.
  • For example: Ocean and sea beyond 200 km of the exclusive economic zone belongs to open sea or ocean. No individual country can utilise these resources without the permission of international bodies.

Q2: List the problems caused due to indiscriminate use of resources by human beings.
Ans: Resources are essential for human survival. Initially, people believed that the resources are the free gift of nature. Therefore, they continuously exhausted the resources available in the environment without taking  any preventive measures. As a matter of fact, they faced economic, social and ecological problems. The major problems that cropped up due to over-exploitation, irrational consumption and indiscriminate use of resources are :

• Exhaustion of resources: Due to over exploitation and irrational consumption, the resources exhausted at a rapid pace leaving very little or nothing for the future generation.
• Concentration of resources: Concentration of resources in a few hands is also a major issue.
• The people with the maximum resources will use them for their own benefits leaving others empty handed. This will create a situation of have and have nots. This situation of have and have nots is unfavourable for the growth of the country as a whole.
• Global ecological crisis: Global warming, depletion of ozone layer, population and land degradation are global ecological crises. This crisis situation is also an after effect of irrational or over utilisation of resources. 

 Q3: ‘Consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all over the country. There is an urgent need to develop a sustainable path of energy development and energy saving’. Suggest and explain any three measures tosolve this burning problem.
Ans: Energy is an essential requirement for economic development. The strategy of economic development that India has adopted since independence necessarily required increasing amount of energy consumption. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been rising. To take care of this concern, various measures that need to be adopted are as follows :

• We need to increase the use of renewable energy resources like solar, wind power, biogas, tidal energy and geothermal energy. This will decrease the dependence on non-renewable sources.
• We have to adopt a cautious approach for judicious use of our limited energy resources. F or example, as a concerned citizen we can use public transport system in place of an individual vehicle.
• Another measure that needs to be adopted is promotion of energy conservation, e.g., switching ff electrical devices when not in use, using power saving devices. Thus, consumption of energy in all forms has been rising all over the country.