UNIT III - NATURAL RESOURCES

PART – A

1. What are renewable resources? Give examples. (M\J-14)

 These resources are capable of being regenerated by ecological processed within a
reasonable time period.
 They have the potential to renew themselves.

2. What are the preventive measures of deforestation? (N\D-14)

 To counter the depletion of forest areas, tree plantation programs have been started.
 Strict implementation of law of Forest Conservation Act.

3. What are the consequences of timber extraction? (N\D-16)

 Large scale timber extraction causes deforestation.
 Timber extraction reduces thickness of the forest.

4. State the environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources. (M\J-14)
 Devegetation and defacing of landscape
 Ground water contamination
 Surface water pollution
 Air pollution
 Subsidence of land

5. What are the effects of dams on tribals? (A\M-15)

 During mining operations, the vibrations are developed, which leads to earthquake
 When materials are disturbed in significant quantities during mining process, large
quantities of sediments are transported by water erosion

6. Explain flood management. (N\D-16)

 Foods can be controlled by constructing dams or reservoirs.
 Channel management and embankments also control the floods

7. Define overgrazing (or) explain overgrazing. (A\M-15)

Overgrazing is a process of “eating away the forest vegetation without giving it a chance to
regenerate”.

8. State the problems caused by the construction of Dam. (N\D-15)

 Displacement of tribal people
 Loss of non-forest land
 Loss of forests, flora and fauna
 Landslips, sedimentation and siltation occurs

9. What is desertification? Give two reasons for it. (N\D-14)

It is a progressive destruction or degradation of arid or semi arid lands to desert.
Reasons: 1. Deforestation 2.Overgrazing 3.Mining & quarrying

10. What is water logging? (A\M-15)

Water logging is the land where water stand for most of the year.

11. Write any two functions of forests. (N\D-16)

 Forests perform very important functions both to humans and to nature
 They recycle rainwater and remove pollutants from air
12. What is meant by soil erosion? (M\J-14)
 Soil erosion is the process of removal of superficial layer of the soil from one place to
another.
 Soil erosion also removes the soil components and surface liter.

13. What is eutrophication? (N\D-14)

 A large proportion of N, P and K fertilizers used in crop fields is washed off by the
runoff water and reaches the water bodies causing over nourishment of the lakes.
 The process of accumulation of nutrients in the water bodies is called eutrophication.

14. What is geothermal energy? (N\D-15)

The energy harnessed from the high temperature present inside the earth is called
geothermal energy.

15. Differentiate renewable & nonrenewable energy? (N\D-14)

Renewable Energy Non-renewable energy

Regenerated continuously Cannot be regenerated

In exhaustible Exhausted

Can be used again & again Cannot be used again

It is pollution free It pollutes the atmosphere
Available in limited amount in nature Available in limited amount in nature
It is developed in a long period It is developed in a short period
Ex. Wood, Solar energy,, Wind energy Ex. Coal, Petroleum, Nuclear fuel

16. Differentiate between deforestation & forest degradation? (M\J-14)

Forest degradation Deforestation

Process of deterioration of forest materials Process of destruction of forest materials
Slow process Rapid process

Can be recovered Cannot be recovered.

PART – B

1.DISCUSS THE CAUSE, EFFECT AND PREVENTIVE OF DEFORESTRATION.

(N\D-14)

It is the process of removal of (or) elimination of forest resources due to many natural and
man-made activities.
Causes of deforestation:
1. Developmental Projects:
They cause deforestation in two ways.
 Through submergence of forest area underwater,
 Destructing forest areas for construction works.
Ex: Hydro-electric projects, road, dam’s construction etc.
2. Mining Projects:
  Mining is the process of extracting mineral resources from the earth.
 The shape and size of forest is reduced.
Ex: Mining of Mica, Coal, Manganese, Limestone, etc.
3. Fuel Requirements:
 Rural and tribal people are dependent on forest for fuel, especially wood.
 It is also the most important raw material for industries.
Ex: For making furniture, match-boxes, etc
4. Shifting cultivation:
 The replacement of forest eco-system for monospecific cultivation leads to
deforestation.
5. Forest Fire:
 It is one of the major causes for deforestation.
 Due to human interruption and rise in ambient temperature, forest fire happens now-a
days.

Effects Of Deforestation:
1. Global warming:
 Cutting and burning of trees increases CO2 content in the atmosphere.
 It results in global climate changes, sea level increases, depletion of ozone layer.
2. Loss of biodiversity :
 Many species are destroyed due to deforestation.
 Animals and plants depend on them for food and habitat become extinct.
3. Soil erosion:
 Natural vegetation acts as a barrier to reduce wind velocity, due to deforestation it
results in soil erosion.
4. Floods and landslides:
 Due to deforestation, frequent floods, landslides in hilly areas and wind speed are
heavy.
Preventive measures:
 Afforestation,
 Conducting awareness program,
 Strict laws implementation,
 Discouraging the usage of wood as fuel, Controlling forest fire

2. DESCRIBE IN BRIEFLY THE TYPES FUNCTION AND USES OF FOREST

RESOURCES (M\J-14)

 Forests are one of the most important renewable natural resources on the earth.
 It covers one-third of the world’s land surface.
Types of forests:
According to the type of vegetation, forests are classified into three major types.
They are
1. Evergreen forests,
2. Deciduous forests,
3. Coniferous forests.
1.Eevergreen forests:
 This forest consists of trees that retain green foliage throughout the year.
 They are found in equatorial regions, where the rainfall is heavy.
 Ex: The silent valley in Kerala.
2. Deciduous forests:
 These forests are of two types.
i. Tropical deciduous forests:
 They are found in tropical monsoon.
 They shed their leaves during summer season.
 ii.Temperature deciduous forests:
 They shed their leaves during winter season.

3. Coniferous forests:
 These forests consist of trees with needled type trees which preserve moisture.
FUNCTIONS OF FORESTS:
 Habitat to millions of plants and animals,
 Recycle rainwater and remove pollutants,
 Control water quality and quantity,
 Moderate temperature and climate,
 Prevent soil erosion,
 Promote tourism and aesthetic value.
Uses (or) benefits of forests:
Commercial uses
 Forests provide timber, fire wood, food material, resin, gum, non-edible oil, drugs,
medicine, rubber, fibers, bamboo, honey, hides, etc.
Ecological uses:
 Production of Oxygen,
 Reducing Global Warming,
 Wild life habitat,
 Regulation of hydrological cycle,
 Soil conservation,
 Pollution moderators.

3. DISCUSS THE BENEFITS, EFFECTS OF DAMS & THEIR EFFECTS ON

FORESTS & TRIBAL PEOPLE: (A\M-15)
Dams are artificial structures built across the river to create reservoir to store water.
Indian Scenario: Maharashtra = more than 600 dams, Gujarat = more than 250 dams
Madhya Pradesh = more than 130 dams

Benefits of Constructing Dams:

 Control flood & store water
 Divert water from river into a channel
 Used for drinking & agricultural purposes
 Built for generating electricity
 Used for recreational purposes
 Navigation & fishery can be developed in dam areas
 Help for the socio economic development of the society
 Used for irrigation during dry seasons
 Prevent drought
Effects of dam on forest:
●Thousands of hectares of forest are cleared for river valley projects
●Forest is also cleared for residential, office, buildings,
storing materials, laying roads etc
●Hydro electric projects have led to loss of forest.
●Dam construction kills wild animals & aquatic life
●Hydro electric projects spread water borne diseases.
●Water logging leads to salinity & reduces the fertility of land.

( Examples)
Narmada Sager Project --- submerged 3.5 lakes hectares of forest
 Teri dam --- submerged 1000 hectares of forest

Effects of dam on tribal people:

• Displacement of tribal people
• Cultural change affects the tribal people mentally & physically
• They do not accommodate the modern food habits & life styles.
• Tribal’s are ill treated by modern society
• They are recognized and compensated
• Their body condition will not suit the new area & are affected by many diseases.

Problems of Constructing Dams:

Upstream Problem:
 Displacement of tribal people
 Loss of forests, flora & fauna
 Soil erosion, sedimentation, siltation occurs
 Water logging retards plant growth
 Spread of vector-borne & water borne diseases
 Reservoir Induced Seismicity (RIS) causes earthquake
Down stream problems:
 Water logging causes salinity
 Silt deposition in rivers
 Salt water intrusion in river
As nutrients deposits in reservoir, land losses its fertility
 Structural defects of dam destroy many living organisms

4. DISCUSS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION DUE TO

MINERAL RESOURCES IN DETAIL. (M\J-16)

 Minerals are naturally occurring substances having definite chemical composition and
physical properties.
IMPACTS OF EXTRACTING MINERAL RESOURCES:
MINING:
 Mining is the process of extraction of metals from a mineral deposit.
TYPES OF MINING:
SURFACE MINING :
 It is the process of extracting minerals from shallow depth of the earth.
UNDERGROUND MINING:
 It is the process of extracting minerals from deep depth of the earth.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE:
1. DEVEGETATION AND DEFACING OF LANDSCAPE:
 The top soil as well as the vegetation are removed from the mining area.
 Devegetation leads to several ecological losses
2. GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION:
 Mining pollutes the ground water.
 Usually, sulphur present as an impurity in many ores, gets converted into
sulphuric acid due to microbial action and converted into sulphuric acid.
3. SURFACE WATER POLLUTION:
 The drainage of acid mine often contaminates the nearby streams and lakes.
 It kills many aquatic animals.
4. AIR POLLUTION:
 Smelting and roasting are done to purify the metals, which emits enormous
amounts of air pollutants damaging the nearby vegetation.
5. SUBSIDENCE OF LAND:
  It is mainly associated with underground mining.
 Subsidence of mining area results in cracks in houses.

EFFECTS OF OVER EXPLOITATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES:

 Rapid depletion of mineral deposits.
 Over exploitation of mineral resources leads to wastage and dissemination of mineral
deposits.
 It causes environmental pollution.
 It needs heavy energy requirements.

5. EXPLAIN IN DETAIL THE ILL EFFECT OF OVER UTILIZATION OF

GROUND AND SURFACE WATER. (N\D-16)
 Due to the growth of population and industries demand for water has also increased,
and the nature too can’t recharge again.

Effects :1.Decrease of ground water:

 Due to over usage of ground water, the ground water level has decreased.
Reason:
 Poor rainfall
 Construction of buildings
 Increase in runoff
2.Ground subsidence:
 The sinking of overlaying land surface is known as ground subsidence.

Problems:
 Damage in building.
 Fracture in pipes.
 Reverse the flow of canals.
 Tidal flooding.
3.Lowering of water table:
 Over usage of ground water for agricultural activities results in Lowering of water
table.
 Change in speed and direction of water flow.
4.Intrusion of salt water:
 Over usage of ground water near coastal areas results in salt water intrusion.
Problem:
 Water is not fit for drinking purpose.
5.Earthquake and landslides:
 Decrease in ground water content causes earthquake, famine and landslides.
6.Drying up of well:
 Ground water depletion results in drying up of bore well and dug well.
7.Pollution of water:
 Water containing nitrate in agricultural land go depth into ground water and
pollute ground water
Problem:
 Water is not fit for drinking purpose.

6. DISCUSS IN DETAIL THE EFFECTS (OR) IMPACTS (OR) ADVERSE EFFECTS

OF MODERN AGRICULTURE. (A\M-17)

I. Problems in using fertilizer

1.Micronutrient imbalance:
  Excess use of Chemical fertilizers contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium
causes micro nutrient imbalance in fields.
2.Blue baby syndrome:
 Use of nitrogenous fertilizers in fields contaminates ground water.
 When concentration exceeds 25mg/lit it causes health problem called blue baby
syndrome
 It affects infants & leads to death.
3.Eutrophication
 Fertilizers contain nitrogen & phosphorous are washed out by runoff water that cause
over nourishment in lakes. This is called eutrophication.
 Due to eutrophication algal blooms grows faster and their quick death pollutes the
water.

II. Problems in using pesticides

First generation pesticides:
 Sulphur, arsenic, lead and mercury used to kill pests.
Second generation pesticides:
 Dichloro Diphenyl Trichloromethane (DDT) used to kill pests.
The pesticides produce problems like
(a) Death of non-target organisms :
It not only kills the target species but also some useful species
(b) Production of new pests :
Super pests are not killed by pesticides due to high resistance power.
(c) Bio magnification :
The amount of pesticide increase in concentration in food chain which is called as
biomagnification.

III. Water logging:

 Land where water stand for most of the year
Problem:
 Soil get filled with water & soil get depleted, therefore mechanical strength of the soil
decreases
Cause:
 excessive water supply to the croplands
 heavy rain
 poor drainage
Remedy:
 preventing excessive irrigation
 subsurface drainage technology
 bio drainage by trees like eucalyptus

IV. Salinity:
 Non absorbed water by the soil undergo evaporation leaving dissolved salts in the
topsoil, this accumulation is called salinity of the soil.
 Salts may be-sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium
sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate.
Problem:
 Water used for irrigation gets evaporated under dry conditions leaving behind the salts
in the upper portion of the soil, therefore soil becomes alkaline and crop yield
decreases.
Remedy:
 flushing out of salt deposit by applying good quality of water
 Using subsurface drainage system the salt water is flushed out.
7. WRITE IN DETAIL ABOUT THE RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.
(N\D-15)
 It is a natural resource.
 They can be regenerated.
 They can be used endlessly.
1. Solar energy:
 We get this energy directly from sun.
 Nuclear fusion reaction taking place in sun produces large amount of heat and light.

Methods of harvesting solar energy:

a. Solar cells:
 It contains p-type and n- type semiconductors in close contact with each other.
 When sun rays falls on the top layer of p-type semiconductor, the electrons cross the
p- n junction into n-type semiconductor.
 There by potential difference between two layers is created, which causes flow of
electrons (ie. an electric current).

Use:
 Calculators, water pumps. Solar battery, Solar water heater etc.

b. Solar water heater: It consists of

 An insulated box inside of which is painted with black paint.
 Provided with a glass lid to receive and store solar heat.
 Inside the box it has black painted copper coil, which heats the cold water.
 Then flows out into a storage tank.
 From the storage tank water is then supplied through pipes

2. Wind energy:
 Moving air is called wind.
 Energy recovered from the force of the wind is called wind energy.
 The energy possessed by wind is because of its high speed.
The wind energy is harnessed by making use of wind mills.
 The blades of the wind mill keep on rotating continuously due to the force of the
striking wind which turns a generator to produce electricity.
Disadvantages (or) Demerits
1. Public resists for locating the wind forms in populated areas due to noise generated by
the machines and loss of aesthetic appearance.
2. Wind forms located on the migratory routes of birds will cause hazards.
3.Wind forms produce unwanted sound.
4.Wind turbines interfere with electromagnetic signals (TV, Radio signals).
b. Wind farms:
 It is the large number of wind mills installed and joined together in a definite pattern.
 They produce large amount of electrical energy.
Advantages:
 No air pollution.
 It is very cheap.

3. Tidal energy:
 Tides are caused by the gravitational force of sun and moon.
 This energy is harvested by constructing a tidal barrage.
 During high tide the sea water is allowed to flow into the barrage.
 During the low tides the water in the barrage is allowed into the sea.
 In both the ways the turbine rotates producing large amount of energy.
4. Ocean energy

It can be generated by following ways.

1. Tidal energy (or) Tidal power
Ocean tides, produced by gravitational forces of sun and moon, contain enormous amount of
energy.
• The “high tide” and “low tide” refer to the rise and fall of water in the oceans.
• The tidal energy can be harnessed by constructing a tidal barrage.
• During high tide, the sea-water which flow into the reservoir of the barrage, rotates the
turbine, which in turn produces electricity by rotating the generators
Significance of tidal energy:
Do not require large areas
Pollution free energy source
No fuel is used & does not produce any wastes.
2. Ocean thermal energy (OTE)
• The temperature difference between the surface level & deeper level of the oceans are used
to generate electricity.
• The energy available due to the difference in temperature of water is called ocean thermal
energy.
Condition
The temperature difference should be of 200C or more between surface water and deeper
water.
Process
• The warm surface water of ocean is used to boil a low boiling liquid like ammonia.
• The high vapour pressure thus produced turns the turbine of the generator and generates
electricity.
Significance: OTE is Continuous, renewable, pollution free, used to produce H2,

5. Geo-thermal Energy
The energy harnessed from high temperature & pressure present inside the earth is called
geothermal energy.
1. Natural geysers
In some places, the hot water (or) steam comes from the ground through cracks naturally
2. Artificial geysers
In some places, we can drill a hole up to the hot region & make the hot water to rush out
through the pipe with very high pressure. Thus, the hot water (or) steam coming out from the
natural (or) artificial geysers is allowed to rotate the turbine of a generator to produce
electricity.
Significance:
Power generation is higher than solar & wind energies,
Can be brought online quickly,
Used for direct uses such as hot water bath, resorts, aquaculture, greenhouses.
6. Biomass energy:
 It is the organic matter produced by plants or animals.
 Biomass is the organic matter produced by the plants or animals which include wood,
crop, residues, cattle dung agricultural wastes etc.
 The burning of biogas cause air pollution and produce a lot of ash.
 It is therefore more useful to convert biomass into biogas or bio fuels.
 Ex: wood, crop residues, cattle dung.

7.Biogas:
 Biogas is a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and hydrogen
 sulphide.
 Biogas is produced by anaerobic degradation of animal wastes in the
 presence of water.
 Anaerobic degradation means break down of organic matter by bacteria in
 the absence of oxygen.
 Biogas has many advantages. It is clean, non-polluting and cheap.
 There is direct supply of gas from the plant and there is no storage problem

8. WRITE IN DETAIL ABOUT THE NON RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.

(N\D-15)
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES:
 It is a natural resource.
 They cannot be regenerated quickly and requires a long duration.
 They cannot be used endlessly.
1. Coal:
 It is a solid fossil fuel. It is formed by the intense heat and pressure on the plants
buried 300 – 400 yrs before.
Various stages of coal:
 Stages Carbon content

Anthracite 90 %
Bituminous 80%
Lignite 70%
Peat 60%

Disadvantages:
 It causes global warming.
 It has impurities like S and N.
2. Petroleum:
 This crude oil is a thick liquid having hydrocarbons like S, O and N.
 The world has 67% of petroleum reserves.
Occurrence:
 It is formed by decomposition of dead matters buried under water bodies at high
temperature for millions of yrs.
Fractional distillation:
 The hydrocarbons are separated from crude- petroleum oil by purifying and
fractionating the crude petroleum oil
 The purified crude oil is then heated to about 400°C in an iron retort, where the oil
gets vapourised. The hot vapours are then passed into the bottom of a “fractionating
column”
 The fractionating column is a tall cylindrical tower containing a number of horizontal
stainless steel trays at short distances. Each tray is provided with small chimney
covered with a loose cap.
 When the vapours of the oil go up in the fractionating column, they become cooler
and get condensed at different trays.
 The fractions having higher boiling points condense at lower trays whereas the
fractions having lower boiling points condense at higher trays.
 The gasoline obtained by this fractional distillation is called straight-run gasoline.
Various fractions, compositions and their uses
S.No Name of the fractions Uses

1 Uncondensed gases As a fuel under the name of LPG

2 Petroleum ether As a solvent

3 Gasoline or petrol Fuel for IC engines
4 Naphtha or As a solvent in paints and
solvent spirit in dry cleaning

5 Kerosene oil Fuel for stoves and jet

engines

6 Diesel oil Diesel engine fuel

7. Heavy oil Fuel for ships and for

. production of gasoline
 3. LPG:
 It is obtained as a by-product during fractional distillation of crude petroleum oil or by
cracking of heavy oil.
 It consists of propane and butane.
 It can be readily liquefied under pressure, so it can be economically stored and
transported in cylinders.
The average composition of LPG is as follows
S.No Constituents Percentage (%)
1 n-butane 38.5
2 Iso butane 37
3 Propane 24.5
Its calorific value is about 25,000 kcal/m3
 It is colorless and odorless.
 Therefore, mercaptans are used for detection of any leakage.
Uses
 It is used as a domestic and industrial fuel
 It is also used as a motor fuel.
4. Natural gas:
 It is found above the oil in oil well.
 It is a mixture of 50 – 90% of methane.
 Its calorific value is 12000 – 14000K.cal/m3.
Occurrence:  It is formed by decomposition of dead matter under lake at high
pressure.
5. Nuclear energy:
 Dr.H.Bhabha was the father of nuclear power development in India.
 There are 2 types to produce this energy:
1. Nuclear fusion.
2. Nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission:
 It is a nuclear change where a heavy nucleus is split at high temperatures to form
lighter nuclei.
 The large amount of energy released is used to produce electricity.

Ex:

Working
  The fission reaction is initiated by inserting fuel rod into the reactor and neutrons is
allowed to bombarded on the fuel rods.
 The heat emitted by fission of U235 in the fuel core is absorbed by the coolant (light
water).
 The heated coolant (water at 300°C) then goes to the heat exchanger containing sea
water.
 The coolant here, transfers heat to sea water, which is converted into steam.
 The steam then drives the turbines, generating electricity.

Nuclear power in India:

Tarapur, Kalpakkam, Ranapratap Sagar and Narora.

9. WRITE THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF LAND (SOIL) DEGRADATION.

(N\D-16)
Effects :
(1) The soil structure and texture are deteriorated.
(2) Loss of soil fertility
(3) Increase in water logging, salinity, alkalinity and acidity problems
(4) Loss of economic, social and biodiversity

Causes :
1. Population : Due to increase in population more pressure on limited land
resources for food, fibre and fuel wood
2. Urbanization : The increased urbanization leads to decrease in agricultural lands
3. Fertilizers and pesticides : Increased use of fertilizers and pesticides lead
to land degradation, soil pollution and water pollution.
4. Damage of Top Soil : Increase in food production generally leads to
damage of top soil through nutrient depletion.
5. Water-logging, soil erosion, salinity etc leads to land degradation.

10. EXPLAIN IN DETAIL ABOUT CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL

MEASURES OF SOIL EROSION. (A\M-15)
Soil erosion is the process of removal of superficial layer of the soil from one place to
another.
Types of soil erosion
(i) Normal erosion : It is caused by the gradual removal of top soil by natural process.
(ii) Accelerated soil erosion : It is mainly caused by man made activities
Harmful effects of soil erosion:
1) Soil fertility is lost
2) Loss of ability of soil to hold water and sediments.
3) Sediment runoff can pollute water and kill aquatic life.
Causes of Soil erosion :
(i) Water : It affects soil in form of rain, runoff etc.,
(ii) Wind : It carry away the fine particles of soil
(iii) Biotic agents : Over grazing, mining and deforestation are the major causes
for soil erosion.
(iv) Land Slides : It also cause soil erosion.
(v) Construction : Construction of dams, buildings, roads remove the protective
vegetal cover and leads to soil erosion.

Control of Soil erosion

1. Conservational or till farming : In this method the tilling machine makes
slits in the unplugged soil and inject seeds, fertilizers and water in the silt.
2. Contour Farming : It involves planting crops in rows across the contour
of gently sloped land. Each row act as a small dam to hold soil and to slow
water runoff.
3. Terracing: It involves conversion of steep slopes into series of broad
terraces, which run across the contour. This retains water for crops and
reduces soil erosion.
4. Alley Cropping (or) Agro Forestry: It involves planting crops in strips or
alleys between rows of trees of shrubs, that can provide fruits and fuel
wood. Even after crops are harvested the soil will not eroded because trees
and shrubs still remain on the soil and hold the soil.
5. Wind Breaks (or) Shelter breaks: the trees are planted long rows along
the boundary of cultivated lands reduces soil erosion.

11. DISCUSS THE ROLE OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN CONSERVATION OF NATURAL

RESOURCES. (M\J-14)

ROLE OF AN INDIVIDUAL IN CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES:

 Individual must understand the essential of natural resources.
 Due to advancement in technology and population growth, the present world is facing
lot of problems on degradation of natural resources.

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY:
 Switch off light, fans and other appliances when not in use.
 Use solar cooker, this will reduce the usage of LPG.
 Dry the clothes in sunlight instead of driers.
 Grow trees near the house and get a cool air, so the electricity bill will reduce.
 Use always pressure cooker.
 Ride bicycle or just walk instead of using car and scooter.

CONSERVATION OF WATER:
 Use minimum water for all domestic purposes.
 Check for water leaks in pipes and toilets and repair them promptly.
 Reuse the soapy water.
 Use drip irrigation to improve irrigation efficiency.
  The wasted water, coming out from kitchen, bathtub, can be used for watering the
plants.
 Build rainwater harvesting system in your house.

CONSERVATION OF SOIL:
 Grow different types of plants, herbs, trees which bind the soil and prevent its erosion.
 While constructing the house don’t uproot the trees.
 Don’t irrigate the plants using a strong flow of water, as it will wash off the top soil.
 Soil erosion can be prevented by the use of sprinkling irrigation.
 Use green manure in the garden.
 Use mixed cropping, so that some specific soil nutrients will not get depleted.

CONSERVATION OF FOOD RESOURCES:

 Eat only minimum amount of food. Avoid over eating.
 Doesn’t waste the food instead give it to someone before getting spoiled.
 Cook only required amount of the food.
 Don’t cook food unnecessarily.
 Don’t store the large amount of food grains.

CONSERVATION OF FOREST:
 Use non-timber products.
 Plant more trees and protect them.
 Grassing, fishing must be controlled.
 Minimize the use of papers and fuel wood.
 Avoid of executing developmental work like dam road, construction in forest area.

12. EXPLAIN ANY 2 CONFLICTS OVER WATER(N\D-16)

1.Conflicts through use:

Unequal distribution of water led to inter-state or international disputes.
a. International conflicts:
• India & Pakistan fight to water from the Indus
• Iran & Iraq fight for water from Shatt-al-Arab water
• India & Bangladesh fight for Bhramaputra river
• Mixico & USA fight over Colorado river
b. National Conflicts:
Cavery problem between Karnataka & Tamilnadu
Krishna problem between Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
Siruveni water problem between Tamilnadu & kerala

2.Construction of Dams/Power stations:

For hydroelectric power generation, dams built across the rivers, initiates conflict between the
states.

3.Conflict through pollution:

Rivers & Lakes are used for electricity, shipping & for industrial purpose.
Disposal of waste water & industrial waste decrease the quality of water & causes pollution.

EXAMPLES OF WATER CONFLICTS:

Conflicts on Indian river:
Damodar river → It is the most polluted river, carrying 43 industries discharges/
Yamuna river → 19,000 cubic meters of Water containing DDT derivatives are dumped in
the river.
Ganga river → 1000 cubic meters of polluted water from 68 industries are discharged in the
river.
Periyar river → The River is dying due to mining of 4,37,000 tonnes of sand everyday &
become salty due to intrusion of sea water
Suriyapalayam river → 34 tanneries located around this river contaminate drinking water, &
make soil unfit for agriculture.
Thamraparani river → Continous brick making on its bank has converted the river into mud
pools.
Cavery water dispute:
The Cauvery water dispute Tribunal set up on 2nd June 1990, directed Karnataka to ensure
205 TMCF of water to Mettur dam every Year
Water conflicts in the middle east:
In Ethiopia, Sudan & Egypt:
Problems in sharing Jordan, Tigris-Euphrates & Nile river water resources by middle east
countries
In Jordan, Syria & Israel:
Problems in sharing of Jordan river water between Jordan, Syria & Isr