Ch 1.

RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT

1.Mention any two human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion. Explain the
two types of soil erosion mostly observed in India.

2. Describe any three measures of controlling land degradation.

3. “Indiscriminate use of resources has led to numerous problems.” Justify the statement.

4. Explain the role of humans in resource development.

5. Explain the importance of conservation of resources.

6. Mention three physical factors as well as three human factors which determine the use of land
in India.

7. Name the soil type which is widely found in western Rajasthan. Explain two important
characteristics of this type of soil which make it unsuitable for cultivation.

8. “33 per cent area should be under forests.” Justify the statement highlighting the environmental
values of forests.

9. “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 three examples.

10. Distinguish between red and laterite soils, stating five points of distinction.

11. Name the soil type which is widely found in western Rajasthan. Explain two important
characteristics of this type of soil type which make it unsuitable for cultivation.

12. “Land is a natural resource of utmost importance.” Justify the statement with appropriate
arguments.

13. What is regur soil? Write its two features. Mention two regions where they are found.

.14. What is Agenda 21? List its two principles

15. . Why is it essential to have resource planning? Explain any three reasons.

16. Which is the main cause of land degradation in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh? How can it
be checked? Explain.

17. Suggest any three methods of soil conservation suitable to Indian conditions.

18. 4. Define the following terms: a. Current fallow land b. Other than current fallow c. Cultural waste
land
19. . Mention any two human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion. Explain the
two types of soil erosion mostly observed in India?

] Ans : Two human activities which are responsible for the process of soil erosion are deforestation and
overgrazing, mining, construction, etc. Types of Soil Erosion :

a. Gullies: The running water cuts through the clayey soil and makes deep channels/gullies. The unfit
land caused by gullies is called bad land or ravines.

b. Sheet erosion: water flows as a sheet over large areas down a slope. The top soil is washed away .This
process is known as sheet erosion.

20. Explain any three factors responsible for soil formation. [2012, 2011]

Ans : a. The parent rock is the first factor which provides the basic material for the formation of soil

. b. Climate breaks the parent rock into small pieces.

c. Vegetation: Plant and animal organisms help in the weathering of the rocks slowly but continuously

d. Various forces of nature such as change in temperature, actions of running water, wind and glaciers,
activities of decomposers, etc., contribute to the formation of soil.

e. Chemical and organic changes take place in the soil.

20. Explain resource planning. What are the steps involved in resource planning?

21. How do technical and economical developments led to more consumption of resources ?

22. List the problems caused due to indiscriminate use of resources by human beings.

23. What are the four main factors which help in the formation of soil ?

24. What is the main cause of land degradation in different states?

Ch 2.FOREST AND WILD LIFE RESOURCES

1. Describe the steps taken by the government to protect the species from becoming extinct.
2. How are forests classified under different categories? Explain with examples
3. How has the destruction of forests and wildlife resulted into the loss of cultural diversity?
Explain
4. When was the Indian Wildlife Protection Act implemented? Describe its main objectives
5. Nature worship is an old-age belief. Explain how it has helped in the conservation of forest and
wildlife.
6. Evaluate the role of large-scale development projects in accelerating the loss of forests in India.
7. Why do we need to conserve our forests and wildlife? Explain any two steps taken by the
government to protect forest and wildlife resources
8. How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain
9. Enumerate the features of Joint Forest Management Programme
10. How is biological loss of forest and wildlife correlated with loss of cultural diversity?
11. . What steps have been taken by the government for the conservation of forest and wildlife in
India? Explain.
12. The role of few communities in India to conserve and protect wildlife cannot be over
emphasized. Comment on this.
Ans : Few communities in India can have a major role in counserving and protecting the wildlife
in the following ways: a. As forests are home to some of the traditional communities, in some
areas of India, local communities along with government officials are struggling their best to
conserve the forests and habitats of wild life recognizing that only this will secure their own long
term livelihood. b. In Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, villagers have fought against mining by
citing the Wildlife Protection Act. c. In many areas, villagers themselves are protecting habitats
and rejecting any government involvement. d. The inhabitants of five villages in the Alwar
district of Rajasthan have declared 1,200 hectares of forest as the Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’,
declaring their own set of rules and regulations which do not allow hunting and are protecting
the wildlife against any outside encroachments.

Ch 3. WATER –RESOURCES
1. Why do some people oppose dams?
2. Which multipurpose project is built on River Satluj How this project has led to the development
of the country?
3. Describe the procedure for rooftop rainwater harvesting
4. Explain any three reasons due to which large dams have come under great opposition in recent
years.
5. Examine the ill effects of industrialization and urbanization on water resources
6. How have intensive industrialization and urbanization posed a great pressure on existing fresh
water resources in India? Explain.
7. Water resources are depleting fast in India and water is a necessity for life. Suggest three
measures to conserve water.
8. Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting important in Rajasthan? Explain.
Answer: Rooftop rainwater harvesting is important in Rajasthan because of the following
reasons. The rainwater stored in tankas is an extremely reliable source of drinking water when
all other sources are dried up. Rainwater is considered the purest form of natural water. Many
houses have constructed underground rooms adjoining the tankas to beat the summer heat as it
would keep the room clean. There is a lack of perennial rivers in Rajasthan. The rainfall is not
reliable in this region.
9. “Water is a very important and critical resource in India.” Support the statement by explaining
any three points.
 Answer: Water is a very important and critical resource in India. The following points support
this statement. Water resources are a significant part of the ecological cycle, which enable the
existence of all living beings on the earth. Water resources help to carry out several agricultural
and agriculture-related activities, thus playing a major role in the development of agricultural
production. Water also contributes significantly to the development of industry as it supplies
water to various water-based and power-based industries.
10. What is palar parti? What is its significance in the arid regions of Rajasthan?
11. Analyse three major causes of water scarcity in India
12. Describe any three different rainwater harvesting systems practised in India.
Answer: The rainwater harvesting systems practised India are as follows. In hills and
mountainous regions, people built diversion channels likeguls or kuls for agriculture. Inundation
canals were built in the floodplains of Bengal, to irrigate the fields. In arid and semi-arid regions
of Rajasthan, agricultural fields were converted into roomfed storage structures that allowed
the water to stand and moisten the soil.

13.What is a multipurpose river valley project? Give any four objectives of the multi-purpose river
valley projects.

14. Why is the need for water increasing day by day? Explain three reasons.

15. Explain the working of underground tanks as a part of roof top rainwater harvesting system
practised in Rajasthan. [CBSE 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010)

16. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru proclaim dams as the ‘temples of modern India’? Explain any three
reasons.

17. List any three advantages and three disadvantages of multipurpose river project.

18. What is Bamboo Drip Irrigation? Mention any two features of it. [CBSE 2012]

19. Highlight any three hydraulic structures as part of water management programmes initiated in
ancient India along with the period when they were built. Ans : [CBSE 2011,2012]

20. Why is groundwater a highly overused resource?

Ans : [CBSE 2011] 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.

21. Describe any four traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of India.
Ans : [CBSE 2011] 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.

22. Why are different water harvesting systems considered a viable alternative both socio-
economically and environmentally in a country like India? [CBSE 2010]

Ans : Keeping in view the disadvantages and rising resistance against the multi¬purpose projects,
water harvesting system is considered a viable alternative both socio economically and
environmentally

Ch 4 . AGRICULTURE

1. Explain any five steps taken by the central and state governments to improve Indian agriculture
after independence
Various initiatives taken by the central and state governments to ensure the increase in
agricultural production after independence are as follows.
a)Collectivism, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari, etc. were given
priority to bring about institutional reforms in the country after independence.
b) Land reforms were the main focus of the First Five Year Plan.
c)The Green Revolution based on the use of package technology and the White Revolution
(Operation Flood) were some of the strategies initiated to improve Indian agriculture.
d) Minimum Support Price Policy, provisions for crop insaurance, subsidy on agricultural inputs
and resources such as power and fertilisers, Grameen banks, Kissan Credit Agriculture Card (KCC)
and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme are some of the reforms brought by the government.
e)Establishment of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), agricultural universities,
veterinary services and animal breeding centres, horticulture development and weather forecast
etc. were given priority for improving Indian agriculture

2. Describe the conditions required for the cultivation of tea &sugarcane. Name two major tea-
producing states of India.
3. Name the two most important staple food crops in India. Mention the geographical conditions
required for their growth

4. Mention any three geographical conditions required for rice cultivation &wheat cultivation in India.

5. Suggest any five measures to enhance the agricultural production in India

Answer: Agricultural is an important economic activity in our country. I would like to suggest the
following measures to enhance the agricultural production in India. Each district and block can be made
self-sufficient in agricultural production if the government provides proper agricultural infrastructure,
irrigation facilities, electricity, etc. Loans can be provided at lower interest rates to cultivator. The use of
latest techniques can be encouraged. Instead of concentrating only on rice or wheat, the food crop with
a better growth potential in that particular area must be encouraged. attracting foreign investment in
agriculture and also free trade in grains will not only increase agricultural production, but will also create
massive employment and reduce poverty in rural areas. Farmers should diversify their cropping pattern
from cereals to high-value crops

6. Name the crop of which India is the largest producer and consumer.

7. Distinguish between primitive subsistence farming and intensive subsistence farming.

8. Define plantation agriculture. Explain any four characteristics of plantation agriculture.

9. How has irrigation changed the cropping pattern in many regions of India. Explain with examples.
Answer: Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions, with farmers shifting to water-
intensive and commercial crops. Due to the success oi the Green Revolution in Punjab, Haryana, western
Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan, these states have started growing rabi crops like wheat, barley,
peas and gram. Paddy has become an important crop of Punjab and Haryana. In states like Assam, West
Bengal and Orissa, three crops of paddy are grown in a year. They are Aus, Aman and Boro. The
development of canal irrigation and tubewells has made it possible to grow rice in areas of less rainfall
such as Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan. The use of modem inputs like
HYV (High Yielding Variety) seeds, fertilizers and irrigation has contributed to high production of maize.

10. Explain rubber cultivation in India under the following heads. (a) Importance (b) Geographical
conditions (c) Any two rubber-producing states

11. Explain any five characteristics of commercial farming in India.

12. “Agriculture and industry are complementary to each other.” Justify the statement.

13. Why is the growth rate in agriculture decelerating? How did the Government of India make efforts to
modernise agriculture? Explain.

Answer: The growth rate in agriculture is decelerating due to the following reasons. Reduction in public
investment in agriculture especially for irrigation, power, rural roads, etc. Subsidy on fertilisers has
decreased leading to increase in the cost of production. Reduction in import of agricultural goods Lack of
employment in agriculture Erratic nature of monsoon rainfall To modernise agriculture the Government
of India has taken concerted efforts like the following. Setting up of Indian Council of Agricultural
Research. Setting up of agricultural universities, veterinary services and animal breeding centres.
Horticulture development Research and development in the field of meteorology and weather forecast
Improvement of rural infrastructure.

14.Which are the main cropping seasons in India? Mention their growing and harvesting periods.

15. Describe the institutional and technical changes introduced in the field of agriculture in India in the
recent years.

16. Give an account of oilseeds in India. State the importance of groundnut and name the states where
it is grown

17. Which crop is known as the ‘golden fibre’? Explain any two geographical conditions essential for the
cultivation of this crop. Mention its any four uses.

18. Mention any two geographical conditions required for the growth of maize crop in India. Describe
any three factors which have contributed to increase in maize production.

19. Why has the agriculture sector in India got a major setback in spite of increase in the GDP growth
rate? [CBSE 2015]

Ans : a. More and more land is used for construction of factories, warehouses and shelters which
reduced the land under cultivation. b. Soil gets degraded by the use of pesticides, fertilizers, over
irrigation, etc., which leads to water logging and salinity. c. Today Indian farmers are facing a big
challenge from international competition. d. Our government is reducing the public investment in
agriculture, subsidy on fertilizers have decreased. e. Reduction in import duties on agricultural products
have proved detrimental to agriculture in the country.

20. Why is agriculture called the mainstay of Indian economy

21. 8. Why has Indian agriculture started a decline in the trend of food production? How can we
overcome this problem? [CBSE 2011]

Ans : Indian agriculture started a decline in the trend of food production because: a. More and more
land is used for construction of factories, warehouses and shelters have reduced the land under
cultivation. b. Soil gets degraded by the use of pesticides, fertilizers, over-irrigation, etc. which leads to
water logging and salinity. Remedial Measures: a. Use of agricultural techniques which are
environmentally sustainable. b. Use of biotechnology in modifying different crops and increase the yield
per hectare. It reduces dependence on insecticides and also require less water.

22. Compare the geographical conditions required for the production of cotton and jute. [CBSE 2012]
Ans : Cotton Jute 1. Cotton requires more than 21°C of temperature Jute requires 30°. temperature. 2.
Rainfall: 50-100 cm Rainfall: Near about 150 cm. 3. Frost free days are must during Picking days Hot and
humid climate is required. 4. Loamy and black soil is required. Well-drained fertile loamy soil is required.
5. Mainly grown in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Grown in eastern states of the country

Ch .5 MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES

1. Why is there a wide range of colours, hardness, crystal forms, lustre and density found in
minerals?
2. How are gobar gas plants beneficial to the farmers?
3. ‘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 to solve this burning problem.
Answer: The following are the measures to solve this burning problem. We should use public
transport instead of personal vehicles as much as possible. We should switch off electricity
when not in use. We should switch to power-saving devices. We should keep our power
equipment well maintained. Above all, use of non-conventional sources of energy would be of
great help in overcoming the problem.
4. ‘There is a pressing need to use renewable energy resources.’ Justify the statement with suitable
arguments.
5. Highlight the importance of petroleum .Explain the occurrence of petroleum in India.
6. Explain the importance of conservation of minerals. Highlight any three measures to conserve
them.
7. ‘Minerals are indispensable part of our lives.’ Support the statement with examples
8. How is the mining activity injurious to the health of the miners and environment? Explain.
9. In the present day energy crisis, what steps will you like to take for saving energy?
10. How can solar energy solve the energy problem to some extent in India? Give your opinion.
11. How can biogas solve the energy problem mainly in rural India? Give your suggestions.
12. Which is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? Assess the importance of its different
form
13. Why is energy required for all activities? How can energy be generated?
14. Name the non-metallic mineral which can split easily into thin sheets. Mention its uses.
15. Explain any three factors affecting the economic viability of a reserve of minerals.
16. Explain any three values which inspire us to conserve our energy resources.
Answer: Three values which inspire us to conserve our energy resources are as follows:
Consciousness towards environment and its protection is required. Excess and careless use of
resources will degrade the environment. Use of renewable power resources will address global
issues of pollution. We should adopt a responsible attitude towards the use of power resources
as they are in limited quantity. Wise use of these resources can be the only remedy. We have to
be accountable towards future generation. We should adopt sustainable development so as to
preserve the resources for use by our generations to come.
17. Differentiate between metallic and non-metallic minerals with examples
18. Which state is the largest producer of manganese in India? Mention any four uses of
manganese.
19. ‘Minerals are unevenly distributed in India.’ Explain with three examples.
20. Name the gulf that provides ideal conditions for utilising tidal energy in India.
21. What is a mineral? Explain the mode of occurances.
22. . Why aluminium metal has great importance?
23. What are placer deposits?
24. Why should the use of cattle cake as fuel be discouraged?
25. Which are the two main minerals used to obtain nuclear energy? Name any two states where
these minerals are found
26. Describe any three non-conventional sources of energy.
27. Which are the potential sources of biogas? State any four benefits of biogas.
28. “Which minerals are used to obtain nuclear energy ? Name all the six nuclear power stations of
India.
29. 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 to solve this burning problem.
30. How is mining activity hazardous? Explain.
31. What are the uses of copper? Name the two leading copper producing states of India.
32. Explain any three values which inspire us to conserve our energy resources. [CBSE 2014]
Ans : Values: a. Our responsible behaviour will lead us to conserve energy resources. b. Our
sustainable thinking which inspires us to preserve and protect the resources for the future
generation. c. Our consciousness towards our environment will inspire not to over-utilize the
resources and exploit them.
33. What efforts are required to use mineral resources in a planned and sustainable manner?
Explain in three points.
34. India is presently one of the least energy efficient countries in the world. We have to adopt
cautious approaches for the judicious use of our limited energy resources.” Analyse this
statement. [CBSE 2012]
or Explain any three steps to be taken to conserve the energy resources. [CBSE 2012] or How
can we save our limited energy sources? Suggest any three ways for its judicious use. [CBSE
2012]
Ans : The statement is right to a great extent. Therefore, we need to adopt a cautious approach
for the judicious use of energy resources. 1. Need to develop a sustainable path of energy
development, i.e., energy development but not at the cost of environment or needs of future
generation. 2. Judicious use of limited energy resources, 3. Wastage of minerals should be
minimised, 4. Modem technology should be used for the exploitation of energy resources. 5.
Export of energy resources should be minimised. 6. Use of substitutes in order to save energy
resources. 7. Encourage recycling of energy resources.

Ch6 MANFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

1. “The economic strength of the country is measured by the development of manufacturing
industries”. Support the statement with arguments
2. Classify industries on the basis of their main role. How are they different from each other?
3. Classify industries on the basis of source of raw material. How are they different from each
other?
4. Classify industries on the basis of capital investment. How are they different from one
another? Explain with examples
5. The textile industry is the only industry in the country which is self-reliant and complete in
the value chain”. Justify the statement.
Answer: The textile industry is the only industry in the country which is self-reliant and
complete in the value chain i.e. from raw materials to the highest value added products. The
statement can be justified as follows: Textile industry is dependent on agriculture and
provides jobs to farmers, cotton boll pluckers and workers engaged in ginning, spinning,
weaving, dying, packaging, tailoring and sewing. The industry by creating demand support
industries like dyeing. It contributes significantly to industrial production. India h^s world-
class production in spinning and capable of using all the fibers that are produced. Textile
industry has been a major foreign exchange earner with increase in foreign trade across the
world. It contributes significantly to the National GDP
6. Why is the ‘least cost’ known as decision making factor for ideal location of an industry?
7. Which two prime factors are important for the location of ‘Aluminium Smelting’ industry
8. Explain with examples, how do industries give boost to the agriculture sector?
9. “Agriculture gives boost to the industrial sector.” Support the statement with arguments.
10. ‘Environmental degradation has been everywhere.’ Explain any three values that can help to
prevent environmental degradation.
Ans. Following values can be adopted to prevent environmental degradation. Proper water
management: Stress on recycling and reuse of water and proper treatement of discharged
water. Control air pollution: Spread awareness to install electrostatic precipitators, fabric
filters in factories. Encourage use of oil and gas instead of coal. Educate people for proper
management of solid waste.Separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and
dispose accordingly. Non-biodegradable waste can be recycled and reused.
11. Explain any five measures to control industrial pollution in India.
12. How do industries pollute environment? Explain with five examples.
13. How do industries pollute water? Suggest any four measures to control water pollution
14. How do industrial units pollute air in India? Explain any four points.
Answer: Industries cause different types of pollution—land, air and water. Air pollution is
caused by the release of undesirable gases and smoke like sulphur dioxide, carbon
monoxide. Air-borne particulate materials like dust, sprays, mist and smoke cause air
pollution. Smoke is emitted from chemical and paper mills, brick kilns, refineries, smelting
plants. Burning of fossil fuels in big and small factories which do not follow pollution norms.
Toxic gas leaks can be very hazardous with long-term effects. Air pollution adversely affects
human health, plants and animals. In human beings, air pollution can cause respiratory
problems. Smog in the atmosphere cause respiratory problems
15. Explain three phases in which treatment of industrial effluents can be done.
16. Explain any three characteristics of the chemical industry of India
17. What steps have been taken by NTPC towards environmental protection?
18. What is agglomeration economies?