๐Ÿ”ท Introduction

Nature gives us many valuable resources like air, water, forests, wildlife, coal, and petroleum. But due to overuse and pollution, these resources are getting exhausted or damaged. This chapter explains how to use natural resources wisely and sustainably so that they are available for future generations too.

๐ŸŒ Natural Resources and Their Importance

Natural resources are materials provided by nature that are useful to humans.

๐Ÿ”น Types of Natural Resources:

  1. Renewable Resources – Can be replenished naturally.
    Examples: forests, water, wind, sunlight.

  2. Non-Renewable Resources – Cannot be replaced easily once exhausted.
    Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas.

๐ŸŒฑ Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means using resources in a way that meets our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

๐Ÿ”„ 3Rs to Save the Environment

To manage resources wisely, we must follow the 3Rs:

  • Reduce: Use fewer resources.
    Example: Switch off lights when not in use.

  • Reuse: Use items again instead of throwing them.
    Example: Reusing plastic bottles.

  • Recycle: Convert waste into useful products.
    Example: Recycling paper, glass, plastic.

๐ŸŒณ Management of Forest and Wildlife Resources

Forests and wildlife are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

๐Ÿ”น Importance:

  • Provide oxygen, wood, and medicines.

  • Maintain biodiversity.

  • Control climate and soil erosion.

๐Ÿ”น Deforestation Problems:

  • Loss of biodiversity.

  • Soil erosion.

  • Global warming.

๐Ÿง‘‍๐ŸŒพ People’s Participation in Forest Management

People living near forests depend on them for their needs. Involving them in forest management helps conserve forests.

๐Ÿ”น Chipko Movement:

  • Started in Uttarakhand (1970s) to protect trees from being cut.

  • Villagers, especially women, hugged trees to stop cutting.

๐Ÿ”น Joint Forest Management (JFM):

  • A government program where villagers and forest officers work together to protect forests.

  • Benefits like firewood and fruits are shared with local people.

๐Ÿ’ง Water: A Precious Resource

Water is essential for all life forms, but it's becoming scarce due to overuse and pollution.

๐Ÿ”น Water Management Methods:

  1. Rainwater Harvesting:

    • Collecting and storing rainwater for later use.

    • Helps recharge groundwater.

    • Traditional systems in India include:

      • Khadin (Rajasthan)

      • Kuls (Himachal Pradesh)

      • Johads (Haryana)

  2. Watershed Management:

    • Managing rainfall and conserving soil and water in a region.

    • Improves water availability and soil fertility.

⛽ Coal and Petroleum

These are fossil fuels formed from dead plants and animals buried under the earth for millions of years.

๐Ÿ”น Problems with Overuse:

  • Limited in quantity (non-renewable).

  • Cause air pollution and global warming.

  • Harmful by-products released while burning.

๐Ÿ”น How to Save Them:

  • Use public transport.

  • Switch to renewable energy.

  • Turn off engines at traffic signals.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Why Conservation is Important

  • Natural resources are limited.

  • Overuse leads to environmental problems.

  • Conservation ensures a balance between development and nature.

✅ Conclusion

We must manage our natural resources wisely and responsibly to ensure they last for future generations. Through people’s participation, eco-friendly practices, and education, we can move toward sustainable living.