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In this post, we bring you detailed notes on Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 – Resources and Development. This chapter explains the classification, importance, conservation, and planning of natural resources in India and the world.


๐ŸŒŽ I. What Are Resources?

Resources are anything available in our environment that can be used to satisfy human needs and is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable.

✅ Characteristics of Resources:

  • Utility or usefulness

  • Human interaction is essential to turn a substance into a resource


๐Ÿ—‚️ II. Classification of Resources

1️⃣ On the Basis of Origin:

TypeExamples
BioticFlora, fauna, human beings
AbioticWater, soil, minerals

2️⃣ On the Basis of Exhaustibility:

TypeDescriptionExamples
RenewableCan be renewed naturallyForests, water
Non-renewableFixed stock, take millions of years to formFossil fuels, minerals

3️⃣ On the Basis of Ownership:

TypeDescriptionExamples
IndividualOwned by private individualsFarmland, houses
CommunityAccessible to all members of a communityParks, grazing land
NationalBelong to the nation (under govt control)Railways, rivers
InternationalManaged by international organizationsOcean resources beyond 200 nautical miles

4️⃣ On the Basis of Status of Development:

TypeDescription
PotentialResources found but not yet used
DevelopedResources that are surveyed and ready to use
StockResources available but cannot be used due to lack of technology
ReserveSubset of stock, usable with current technology

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ III. Resource Planning in India

Resource planning is essential for the sustainable development of a country.

✏️ Steps in Resource Planning:

  1. Identification and inventory of resources

  2. Planning with appropriate technology and skills

  3. Matching resource development plans with national development goals


⚠️ IV. Problems of Resource Use

  • Unequal distribution of resources → leads to regional imbalance

  • Over-exploitation of resources → leads to environmental degradation

  • Depletion of non-renewable resources

  • Need for resource conservation


๐Ÿž️ V. Land Resources in India

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ Land Use Pattern in India:

Land Use Category% of Total Area
Forests~22%
Net Sown Area~45%
Barren/Wastelands~6%
Permanent Pastures~4%
Other (buildings, roads)~8%

๐Ÿ“Š Land Use Depends On:

  • Topography

  • Climate

  • Soil type

  • Human factors (population, technology)


๐Ÿงฑ VI. Land Degradation and Conservation

๐Ÿšจ Causes of Land Degradation:

  • Overgrazing

  • Deforestation

  • Over-irrigation

  • Mining

  • Waste from industries

✅ Measures to Conserve Land:

  • Afforestation and proper grazing practices

  • Controlled mining

  • Organic farming and use of bio-fertilizers

  • Shelter belts and terrace farming in hilly areas


๐ŸŒฑ VII. Soil as a Resource

Soil is a renewable resource but takes hundreds of years to form.

⛏️ Factors of Soil Formation:

  • Parent rock

  • Climate

  • Time

  • Organisms

  • Relief


๐Ÿงพ VIII. Types of Soil in India

Soil TypeFeatures & Crops Grown
Alluvial SoilMost fertile; found in northern plains; wheat, rice
Black SoilRegur soil; cotton, soybean; found in Deccan Plateau
Red SoilLess fertile; needs fertilizers; found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Laterite SoilHigh iron content; used for tea, coffee
Arid SoilFound in Rajasthan; sandy and saline
Forest SoilFound in hilly areas; suitable for horticulture

⚠️ IX. Soil Erosion and Conservation

๐ŸŒช️ Types of Erosion:

  • Sheet erosion: Topsoil is removed by water

  • Gully erosion: Deep gullies form; land becomes unfit for cultivation

✅ Soil Conservation Techniques:

  • Contour ploughing

  • Terrace farming

  • Shelter belts

  • Strip cropping

  • Check dams


๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

  • Resources are essential for human development, but planned and sustainable use is necessary.

  • India’s land and soil need careful management to prevent degradation and ensure future prosperity.


๐Ÿ“˜ Key Terms

TermDefinition
ResourceAnything that has utility and can fulfill human needs
Sustainable DevelopmentDevelopment without harming future generations
Regur SoilBlack soil, ideal for cotton
Soil ErosionRemoval of topsoil by natural forces
Resource PlanningJudicious use of resources for sustainable growth