NCERT solution class 10 science chapter 16 Management of Natural Resources

Page No: 269
1. What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?
Answer
We can be eco-friendly by:
→ Using the principle of 3R's i.e. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
→ Putting off unnecessary lights and fans.
→ Using unleaded petrol in vehicles.
→ Using local transport like buses or train.
2. What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?
Answer
If resources are exploited with short-term aims it will be very beneficial for the present generation as it will help in growth of economy at a faster rate.
3. How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?
Answer
If resources are used in accordance with short term aims, present generation will be able to utilize the resources properly for growth and development.
But if we use resources with long term aims, future generation will also be able to utilize resources for fulfilling its needs.
Thus it would be better to use our natural resources with a long term perspective so that it could be used by the present generation as well as conserved for future use. But it will deprive future generation from the benefits of these resources as resources are exhaustible.
4. Why do you think there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of our resources?
Answer
Natural resources of the Earth must be distributed among the people uniformly so that each and every one gets his share of the resource.
Human greed, corruption, and the lobby of the rich and powerful are the forces working against an equitable distribution of resources.
Page No: 273
1. Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer
We should conserve forests and wildlife because they are essential for us in following terms:
→ Forest provide us oxygen, they cause rain fall.
→ Forest prevents soil erosion.
→ Plants are dependent on animals and birds for their pollination and seed dispersal.
→ Forests provide us various medicines.
→ Various forest products are used as raw materials in industries.
2. Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.
Answer
Some approaches towards the conservation of forests are:
→ Conversion of forests into national parks, sanctuaries.
→ To take help of local people in conserving forest.
→ Not to allow the destruction of forests for making roads, dams and hotels etc.
→ Planting of trees should be increased.
Page No: 276
2. Compare the above system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.
Answer
In plains, the water harvesting structures are crescent-shaped earthen embankments. These are low, straight, and concrete.
In hilly regions, the system of canal irrigation called Kulhsis used for water harvesting. This involves a collection of rain water in a stream, which is then diverted into man-made channels down the hill sides.
Page No: 278
Exercise
1. What changes would you suggest in your home in order to be environment-friendly?
Answer
Changes that can be undertaken in our homes to be environment-friendly are:
→ Switch off the electrical appliances when not in use.
→ Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair the leaking taps.
→ Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
→ Construct composting pits.
→ Food items such as jam, pickles, etc., come packed in plastic bottles. These bottles can later be used for storing things in the kitchen.
2. Can you suggest some changes in your school which would make it environment-friendly?
Answer
Changes that can be undertaken in our schools to make it environment friendly are:

→ Electricity can be saved by switching off lights and fans when not required.
→ Turn the taps off when not in use.
→ Biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes should be thrown into separate bins.

3. We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?
Answer
The forest department of the government should have the authority to decide the management of forest produces. This is because the forest department is the care taker of the forest land and is responsible for any damage to the forest.
Page No: 279
4. How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of (a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources and (c) coal and petroleum?
Answer
(a) Forest and wildlife:
→ We should protest against the cutting of trees (deforestation).
→ We should protest against the poaching of wild animals.
→ We should stop the annexation of forest land for our use.
(b) Water resources:
→ Turn the taps off while brushing or bathing and repair leaking taps.
→ We should practice rainwater harvesting.
→ We should avoid the discharge of sewage and other wastes into rivers and other water resources.
(c) Coal and petroleum:
→We should take a bus or practice car pooling to avoid excessive use of petroleum.
→ We should stop using coal as a fuel (angithis).
(iii)We should use alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy instead of depending largely on coal and petroleum.
5. What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?
Answer
Natural resources such as water, forests, coal and petroleum, etc. are important for the survival of human beings. The ways in which we can reduce the consumption of various natural resources are:
→ We should stop the cutting of trees (deforestation).
→ We should use recycled paper to reduce the cutting down of trees.
→ We should not waste water.
→ We should practice rainwater harvesting.
→ We should practice car pooling to avoid the excessive use of petroleum.
→ We should use alternative sources of energy such as hydro-energy and solar energy.
7. On the basis of the issues raised in this chapter, what changes would you incorporate in your life-style in a move towards sustainable use of our resources?
Answer
One should incorporate the following changes in life-style in a move towards sustainable use of our resources:
→ Stop cutting trees and practice plantation of trees.
→ Stop using plastic and polythene bags for carrying goods.
→ Use recycled paper.
→ Throw biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste into separate bins.
→ Waste minimum amount of water while using and repair leaking taps.
→ Practice rainwater harvesting.
→ Avoid using vehicles for short distances. Instead, one can walk or cycle to cover short distances. → To cover long distances, one should take a bus instead of using personal vehicles.
→ Switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
→  Use fluorescent tubes in place of bulbs to save electricity.
→ Take stairs and avoid using lifts.
→ During winters, wear an extra sweater to avoid using heaters.