Wrong shortcode initialized

I. Chapter Summary

The chapter introduces students to the concept of resources, their classification, and importance for sustainable development. It explains how resources are unevenly distributed across the country and categorizes them based on origin, ownership, exhaustibility, and status of development. The chapter also discusses resource planning in India, the problems of land degradation, and soil conservation techniques. It emphasizes the need for judicious use of resources and the sustainable management of land and soil to maintain ecological balance.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Key Concept	Explanation
Resource	Anything available in the environment which is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.
Classification of Resources	Based on:

• Origin: Biotic & Abiotic
• Exhaustibility: Renewable & Non-renewable
• Ownership: Individual, Community, National, International
• Status of Development: Potential, Developed, Stock, Reserves
  | Resource Planning | A technique for proper utilization and conservation of resources in a region or country.
  | Land Use Pattern in India | Distribution of land for agriculture, forest, wasteland, urbanization, etc.
  | Land Degradation | Decline in the productive capacity of land due to overuse, erosion, pollution, etc.
  | Soil as a Resource | Types of soils in India and the need for soil conservation.
  | Soil Conservation Techniques| Contour ploughing, terrace farming, strip cropping, afforestation, controlled grazing.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
   • a) Coal
   • b) Petroleum
   • c) Solar energy ✅
   • d) Natural gas
2. What is the major cause of land degradation in Punjab? (PYQ – 2020)
   • a) Mining
   • b) Overgrazing
   • c) Over-irrigation ✅
   • d) Deforestation
3. Which of the following is a biotic resource?
   • a) Minerals
   • b) Soil
   • c) Plants ✅
   • d) Water
4. Which of the following method is used for soil conservation in hilly areas?
   • a) Mulching
   • b) Terrace farming ✅
   • c) Contour ploughing
   • d) Strip cropping

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Define resource. Classify resources based on ownership. (PYQ – 2022)
2. Explain any three causes of land degradation in India. (PYQ – 2019)
3. Mention any three features of alluvial soil. (PYQ – 2020)
4. What are the steps involved in resource planning?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain land use patterns in India and highlight the need for conservation of land resources. (PYQ – 2021)
2. What is soil erosion? Describe any four methods of soil conservation. (PYQ – 2020)
3. Why is resource planning essential in India? Discuss the three steps involved. (PYQ – 2018)
4. Explain the classification of resources on the basis of origin, exhaustibility, ownership, and status of development.

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Why is conservation of resources vital for sustainable development? Explain with examples.
2. “Uneven distribution of resources has led to socio-economic conflicts.” Justify with examples.

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

There are no mathematical formulas in this chapter, but important definitions include:

• Resource: “Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs.”
• Sustainable Development: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.”
• Soil Conservation: Prevention of soil erosion and degradation through scientific methods.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT syllabus (2025–26).

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Types of Questions Typically Asked
Resources and Development	5–7 marks	MCQs, Case-based, Map Skills, Short & Long Answer Questions

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2018	5	Why is resource planning essential in India?
2019	3	Explain causes of land degradation.
2020	5	Describe soil erosion and conservation methods.
2022	2	Define resource. Classify resources based on ownership.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics

• Drought-prone Areas Programme (DPAP): To tackle land degradation.
• Solar Parks in India: Use of renewable energy resources.
• Wasteland Mapping Using GIS: Real-world resource planning.
• Terrace farming in Uttarakhand: Soil conservation in practice.
• Waterlogging in Punjab and Haryana: Over-irrigation and land degradation.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

 Time Management

• Allocate days for subtopics: Resources (Day 1), Land use (Day 2), Soil types & conservation (Day 3).

 Exam Preparation

• Use diagrams, classification tables, and maps for revision.
• Prepare answers with real-life examples for higher marks in long questions.

 Stress Management

• Practice map questions regularly to build confidence.
• Use color-coded flashcards to remember types and classification of resources.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Stream Guidance:

• Science: Environmental studies, agriculture, geology.
• Commerce: Resource economics, sustainable business.
• Arts: Geography, social development, ecology.

Career Paths:

• Environmental Scientist
• Urban & Regional Planner
• Agricultural Analyst
• GIS & Remote Sensing Expert
• Civil Services (Geography optional)

Exams/Competitions:

• NTSE
• Geo Genius Olympiad
• CBSE Science Exhibition (Ecology themes)

XI. Important Notes

•  Use case studies of local land use and soil conservation for better answers.
•  Concept clarity is more important than rote memorization.
•  Link geography to sustainability for interdisciplinary understanding.