Management of Natural Resources

Que 1. What is the slogan of Chipko Movement?

Ans. The slogan of Chipko movement is five Fs – Food, fodder, fuel, fibre and fertiliser.

Que 2. List any four changes you would like to incorporate in your lifestyle in a move towards a sustainable use of available resources in our country.

Ans. Four changes I would like to incorporate in our lifestyle in a move towards a sustainable use of available resources are:

(i) I will collect plastic, paper, glass and metal items and recycle them to use again.

(ii) I will save electricity by switching off unnecessary lights and fans.

(iii) I will prefer walking or cycling than using vehicles.

(iv) I will use potable water for drinking purpose only.

Que 3. Prejudice against traditional use of forest areas has no basis. Explain giving an example.

Ans. In many forests, the local population may not be allowed to use forests in the manner they have been using them for generations.

This may sometimes be harmful for the sustainability of forests.

When the nomadic shepherds were not allowed in the alpine meadows of the great Himalaya National Park to graze their sheep, it had an adverse effect on the growth of grass. Without regular grazing by sheep, the grass

grew very tall and then fell over preventing fresh growth.

Que 4. Why are local needs and local knowledge of forest dwellers important for maintaining forests?

Ans. Needs and knowledge of the local people needs to be given due consideration for maintaining When vast area of forest land was converted to monocultures of pine, teak, eucalyptus, etc. a large amount of biodiversity was destroyed and needs of local people (leaves for fodder, herbs for medicines, fruits and nuts for food) could no longer be met from such forests.

Que 5. Is water conservation necessary? Give reasons.

Ans. The total amount of fresh water is more than enough to meet the needs of human beings. But its uneven distribution, wide seasonal as well as yearly fluctuation in rainfalls and water shortage are chronic problems in most parts of the world.

Que 6. Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?

Ans. The forest department developed a strategy in which the villagers were involved in the protection of the forest. In return for the labour, the villagers were paid and also had some benefit in harvesting operations. They were allowed to collect wood and fodder on payment of nominal fee. In this way, by the active and willing participation of the local people, the sal forests of Arabari were conserved.

Que 7. “Reuse is better than recycling of materials”. Give reason to justify this statement.

Ans. Reuse refers to the use of the same material again and again.

In reuse of materials no energy is consumed and the resources are saved.

In recycling certain used materials are converted into other useful materials.

In recycling of materials, energy is consumed and the resources may be wasted.

Thus, it can be said that reuse is better than recycling.