NATURAL RESOURCES: LAND RESOURCE

Land as a Vital Resource

Land is one of the most valuable resources for mankind and one of nature’s most precious
gifts. It is a fundamental part of the lithosphere that sustains life and provides essential
resources necessary for human existence. Land is composed of both inorganic and organic
materials, and its role is critical in supporting various functions and ecosystems on Earth.
Uses of Land
Land serves multiple purposes that directly contribute to human life and the environment:
1. Provision of Resources:
o Food: Land supports the growth of crops and vegetation, which provide
sustenance for humans and animals.
o Fiber: Many plants grown on land provide fibers, such as cotton and hemp,
used in textiles and other industries.
o Medicines: Numerous medicinal plants and herbs grow on land, offering
compounds used in the pharmaceutical industry.
o Minerals: Land also contains mineral resources, which are extracted for
various industrial applications.
2. Ecosystem Services:
o Agricultural Productivity: Land is the foundation of agriculture, which is
essential for feeding the global population.
o Biodiversity: Different ecosystems on land provide habitats for a wide variety
of flora and fauna, contributing to biological diversity.
o Carbon Sequestration: Forests and other vegetative land cover play a crucial
role in absorbing carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.
3. Support for Terrestrial Life: The most fundamental use of land is to provide a base for
vegetation, which in turn supports all terrestrial fauna. Plants provide food, shelter,
and oxygen, which form the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems.
Threats to Land Resources
Despite its immense value, land is facing significant threats, primarily due to human
activities. These include:
1. Land Degradation:
 o Land degradation refers to the decline in land quality due to the loss of its
productive capacity. This is often caused by overuse, deforestation, and poor
agricultural practices.
o As the land becomes degraded, its ability to produce food, support
biodiversity, and provide essential services diminishes.
2. Soil Erosion:
o Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil layer by wind, water, and human
activity. It is a major problem in agricultural areas, reducing soil fertility and
making land less productive.
o Practices such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper irrigation
contribute to soil erosion.
3. Desertification:
o Desertification is an extreme form of land degradation, where semi-arid
regions lose their productive capacity to such an extent that they become
barren and desert-like.
o This process is driven by human activities (overgrazing, deforestation,
unsustainable farming) and climate change. In many cases, desertification
leads to the loss of arable land, making it impossible to grow crops and
sustain local communities.
4. Pollution:
o Land pollution, including contamination from industrial activities, waste
disposal, and the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, further degrades
the land. Pollutants can also affect the soil’s fertility and the health of
organisms living in the ecosystem.
Consequences of Land Misuse
The degradation of land has far-reaching consequences that affect both the environment
and human populations:
1. Reduced Agricultural Productivity: As land becomes less fertile and productive, food
production decreases, leading to food insecurity.
2. Loss of Biodiversity: Degraded lands can no longer support a variety of plant and
animal species, resulting in the loss of biodiversity.
3. Economic Impact: The loss of productive land can reduce economic output,
particularly in agriculture-dependent regions.
4. Human Health: Polluted and degraded land can affect human health, either directly
through exposure to contaminants or indirectly through the reduced availability of
essential resources like food and water.
Conservation and Sustainable Management
To address these challenges, it is critical to adopt sustainable land management practices.
Some strategies include:
 Soil Conservation: Techniques such as crop rotation, terracing, and the use of cover
crops help prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.
 Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring degraded forests can
help prevent desertification and improve carbon sequestration.
 Sustainable Agriculture: Adopting farming practices that conserve resources, reduce
chemical use, and promote biodiversity.
 Land Restoration: Rehabilitating degraded land through soil management, water
conservation, and replanting vegetation

Land resources: Minerals, soil, agricultural crops, natural forest products, medicinal
plants, and forest-based industries and livelihoods
Land resources are critical for human survival and economic development, providing
essential materials and services that support various aspects of life. These resources include
minerals, soil, agricultural crops, natural forest products, medicinal plants, and forest-based
industries. Over the years, humans have exploited land for various purposes such as
agriculture, mining, grazing, and settlement.
Land resources can be classified into three categories based on their stability:
1. Very Stable Resources: These include geological formations and minerals, which do
not change much over time.
2. Moderately Stable Resources: Soil and water fall into this category, as they are
subject to change but can be replenished or conserved with proper management.
3. Very Unstable Resources: Vegetation and biodiversity, which can be rapidly depleted
or altered due to human activities and environmental factors.
Key Land Resources
1. Minerals:
o Definition: Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances found in the
Earth’s crust. They are non-renewable resources, meaning they are limited
and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
o Types:
  Metallic Minerals: These include metals such as iron, copper,
aluminum, lead, and zinc, which are essential for industrial processes
and infrastructure development.
 Non-Metallic Minerals: These include materials like graphite, feldspar,
asbestos, and limestone, which have various industrial applications.
 Mineral Fuels: Coal, natural gas, and petroleum are used for energy
production and are crucial for modern economies.
o Economic Importance: Minerals play a significant role in the industrial and
economic development of nations. India, for instance, is rich in minerals such
as iron, aluminum, titanium, copper, lead, and zinc ores.
2. Soil:
o Definition: Soil is the thin outer layer of the Earth’s crust that serves as the
natural medium for plant growth. It is composed of both organic matter and
minerals, formed by the decomposition of rocks.
o Characteristics: The topmost layer of soil, rich in organic material, is called
humus, which is vital for plant fertility. Soil is renewable but can be easily
degraded through erosion and poor land management.
o Types of Soil in India:
 Alluvial Soil: Found in river plains, it is rich in nutrients and ideal for
agriculture.
 Black Soil: Found in volcanic regions, it is rich in minerals like iron and
is known for its moisture retention.
 Red Soil: Rich in iron oxide, this soil is found in regions with moderate
rainfall.
 Laterite Soil: Found in tropical regions, it is rich in iron and aluminum
and is often used for brick making.
 Desert Soil: Found in arid regions, it is sandy and nutrient-poor.
 Acidic Soil: Found in hilly areas, it is rich in organic matter but can be
acidic.
o Importance: Soil is essential for agriculture, supporting the growth of crops
and providing a habitat for microorganisms. It also plays a key role in carbon
sequestration, water retention, and buffering against environmental changes.
3. Agriculture:
o Role: Agriculture is the most dominant use of land, covering nearly 40% of the
Earth's land surface. It is crucial for food production and economic
development, especially in developing countries like India.
 o Global Agricultural Area: The total land area suitable for cropping is 4.4
billion hectares, of which 1.6 billion hectares are currently under cultivation.
o Impact of Agriculture: While agricultural productivity has increased over the
years due to the use of fertilizers and pesticides, these practices have had
negative effects on land quality, leading to soil degradation, loss of
biodiversity, and pollution.
4. Natural Forest Products:
o Definition: Forest products are materials derived from forests, both for direct
consumption and commercial use. These include timber, firewood, pulp for
paper, and livestock forage.
o Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): These include items such as nuts,
resins, gum, medicinal plants, edible fruits, and oils. NTFPs are considered
more sustainable because they generally have less impact on forest
ecosystems.
o Uses of Forest Products: Forest products are used worldwide for a variety of
purposes, including cooking, medicine, cultural traditions, and income
generation. They are also important for maintaining ecological balance and
supporting forest-based livelihoods.
5. Medicinal Plants:
 Definition: Medicinal plants are natural resources derived primarily from forests and
have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. These plants are a
valuable source of new pharmaceutical products, particularly in tropical regions.
 Global Importance: In many developing countries, medicinal plants form the
backbone of primary healthcare. Around 80% of the world’s developing nations rely
on these plants for treating various health conditions. For many individuals living in
rural or urban areas in these countries, medicinal plants are the only available
treatment for both minor and major ailments.
 Tropical Forests: The immense biodiversity found in tropical forests makes them an
invaluable resource for discovering new medicinal compounds. Many modern
pharmaceuticals have been derived from plant-based substances, underscoring the
importance of preserving these ecosystems for future healthcare advancements.
 Rising Demand: As people increasingly recognize the benefits of medicinal plants
over conventional allopathic treatments, the demand for these plants continues to
rise. This growing interest is leading to more research and development in the field of
herbal medicine and plant-based therapeutics.

6. Forest-Based Industries and Livelihoods:

  Economic Role of Forests: Forests have historically played a significant role in the
economy of many countries, serving as a key source of raw materials for various
industries. These industries include timber, paper, and fuelwood production. Forest
resources also provide employment and income to millions of people worldwide.
 Fuelwood and Charcoal: In many parts of the world, especially in developing
countries, about two billion people rely on fuelwood and charcoal as their primary
sources of energy for cooking and heating. This reliance on forest products for energy
is a crucial aspect of the relationship between forests and human livelihoods.
 Income from Forest Products: Millions of rural households rely on collecting and
selling forest products for income. These products include food, fuel, medicinal
plants, and construction materials. Many people also sell timber to logging
companies or create products like furniture and handicrafts. Industrial logging
activities provide direct employment, particularly in countries like Brazil, India, China,
and Indonesia.
 Indirect Contributions: Forests also contribute to livelihoods in less direct ways. They
provide soil nutrients, help with crop pollination, reduce soil erosion, and offer
protection from natural disasters like floods and landslides. These ecosystem services
are vital for agriculture and rural communities.
 Global Dependence on Forests: It is estimated that between 1.5 to 2 billion people
worldwide depend on forests for their livelihoods and income. Additionally, about 200
million indigenous people are almost entirely dependent on forests for their survival,
illustrating the critical role forests play in supporting both local and global
communities.

NATURAL RESOURCES: WATER RESOURCES

Water Resources: Importance, Distribution, and Challenges
Water and its Role on Earth:
o Importance of Water: Earth is often called the "blue planet" due to the vast
amount of water that covers about 75% of its surface. Water plays a vital role
in shaping the planet, moderating the climate, and sustaining life. All living
organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals, are composed of 60-70%
water by body weight.
o Essential for Survival: Water is not only necessary for human survival but also
for the functioning of ecosystems. While Earth has ample water, much of it is
saline (in oceans) or locked in glaciers and deep groundwater, making only a
small portion accessible and usable for consumption and agriculture.
 o Global Water Scarcity: Despite the abundance of water on Earth, the
distribution of usable fresh water is uneven, leading to water-related issues
such as interregional conflict, competition for resources, and increasing
pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. This
has led to a situation where many countries face water shortages.
Hydrologic Cycle and Water Distribution:
o The Hydrologic Cycle: Water exists in three forms: solid (ice and snow), liquid
(freshwater and marine), and vapor (water vapor/steam). Water circulates
through the environment in the hydrologic cycle, moving from the ocean to
the atmosphere, to the land, and back to the ocean, ensuring a balance of
water in these different forms and renewing the supply of fresh water on
land.
o Distribution of Water: The majority of Earth's water (97.5%) is in the oceans
and is saline, making it unsuitable for consumption. A small fraction of Earth's
water (about 3%) is fresh, but most of it is locked away in glaciers (1.97%) or
deep groundwater aquifers (0.5%). Only 0.03% of Earth's water is accessible
fresh water, found in lakes, rivers, and the atmosphere.
o Groundwater: Groundwater is stored in aquifers, underground reservoirs that
can either be unconfined (with water tables) or confined (trapped between
impermeable rock layers). Aquifers are replenished by precipitation but are
considered nonrenewable because they take hundreds or thousands of years
to accumulate. Some aquifers, like confined aquifers, recharge very slowly
and are under pressure.
Water Resources in India:
o Availability: India accounts for approximately 2.45% of the world's surface
area, 4% of the world's water resources, and 17.7% of the global population.
The primary sources of water in India are surface water (rivers, lakes, ponds),
groundwater (wells, springs), and wetlands.
o Challenges: Despite the relatively abundant water resources, India faces a
growing water scarcity issue. The average annual water availability per
capita has been declining over the years due to population growth and over-
exploitation of water resources. In 2001, India had 1816 cubic meters of
water per capita, but by 2018, this had reduced to 1486 cubic meters per
capita.
Water Use and Management:
o Water-Related Problems: The limited availability of fresh water, combined
with population growth and environmental stress, has led to water shortages
and conflicts over water use. In some areas, water quality is also a concern,
as pollution and overuse degrade available water resources.
 o Global and Regional Solutions: Efforts to manage water resources include
moving water from wetter areas to drier areas, creating reservoirs, and
purifying undrinkable water sources. However, these solutions are costly, and
conflicts often arise when one use of water (e.g., for agriculture) reduces the
availability of water for other uses (e.g., for drinking).

1. Surface Water Resources

Rivers and River Basins:
o India has 12 major rivers that contribute to the surface flow of water: Ganga,
Yamuna, Indus, Brahmaputra, Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Mahi,
Narmada, Pennar, and Tapi. These rivers play a crucial role in providing
freshwater for various needs, including drinking, irrigation, and industry.
o The total mean annual flow from these rivers is estimated to be 1,869 cubic
km. However, due to geographical and environmental constraints, only about
35% of this surface water can be exploited for human use.
o The flow of water in a river depends on factors like the size of its catchment
area and the amount of rainfall within that area. India's precipitation is highly
variable, with most rain falling during the monsoon season. Rivers like the
Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus have vast catchment areas, while southern
rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery have harnessed much of their
water resources. However, harnessing in the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins
has not been fully achieved.
o In addition to rivers, other surface water resources in India include canals,
ponds, lakes, tanks, and wetlands. These resources are unevenly distributed
across the country, with about 50% of inland surface water resources
concentrated in a few regions.
2. Groundwater Resources:
o Total Groundwater Resources: India has approximately 432 cubic km of total
annual replenishable groundwater resources. The Ganga and Brahmaputra
basins account for about 45% of these groundwater resources.
o Groundwater Utilization: Groundwater use is particularly high in areas like
the north-western region (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan) and southern states
(Tamil Nadu). These regions depend heavily on groundwater for agricultural
and drinking purposes.
o In states like Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tripura,
groundwater utilization is moderate. However, with rising population and
agricultural demands, groundwater consumption has increased significantly
over time. If this trend continues, increased demand for water may lead to
 severe shortages and challenges in maintaining a balance between social,
economic, and environmental factors.
3. Lagoons and Backwaters:
o India’s coastline is rich in lagoons and backwaters, particularly in states like
Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal.
o Lagoons are water bodies separated from larger bodies of water, such as
rivers or seas, by natural barriers like reefs or islands. These lagoons typically
have brackish water and are important for fishing and irrigation, particularly
for crops like paddy and coconut.
o Backwaters are branches of rivers that run alongside the main channel. They
are commonly found in Kerala, where they support local agriculture and
fishing activities.

Emerging Water Resource Problems in India

1. Deterioration of Water Quality:
o Water quality refers to the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of
water that determine its suitability for various uses. The introduction of
pollutants such as agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), industrial
effluents, and domestic waste deteriorates water quality, making it unsafe for
consumption.
o Pollutants can either dissolve in water or remain suspended, leading to water
contamination. In some cases, contaminants also seep into groundwater,
exacerbating the issue.
o Major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna are severely polluted due to high
levels of industrial and domestic effluents. This pollution poses a significant
threat to aquatic life and public health.
2. Enhanced Demand for Water for Irrigation:
o Agriculture in India heavily relies on irrigation, especially due to the uneven
distribution of rainfall. Regions like the Deccan Plateau and North-western
India are drought-prone, making irrigation essential for crop cultivation.
o Crops such as sugarcane, rice, and jute require significant water inputs. Even
in areas with adequate rainfall, irregularities in the monsoon can lead to dry
spells, requiring additional irrigation.
o Excessive groundwater extraction through tube wells is common for
irrigation, leading to depletion of groundwater resources, which is a major
concern for sustainable water usage.
 3. Increasing Water Conflicts:
o The uneven distribution of water resources across regions has led to
numerous water disputes at the inter-state, inter-district, and international
levels.
o Examples of major conflicts include:
 Cauvery Water Dispute (between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu)
 Krishna River Dispute (between Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra
Pradesh)
 The Indus Water Treaty (between India and Pakistan)
 Water conflicts in the Middle East (involving countries like Ethiopia,
Egypt, and Sudan)
o These conflicts are often driven by competition for shared water resources
and require diplomatic resolutions to ensure equitable distribution.
4. Floods and Droughts:
o India, with its reliance on monsoon rains, is susceptible to water-related
problems such as floods and droughts.
o Flooding occurs due to excessive rainfall during the monsoon, often
overwhelming rivers and lakes. Human activities such as urbanization,
deforestation, and poor drainage systems exacerbate the situation.
o Drought is a result of insufficient rainfall over an extended period, leading to
water shortages. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in semi-arid and
arid regions. The over-exploitation of groundwater and improper land use
(like deforestation and overgrazing) contributes to desertification and
worsening drought conditions.
Sustainable Water Management
To address the emerging water resource problems, effective and sustainable water
management practices are essential. Some key strategies include:
1. Prevention of Water Pollution:
o Water quality monitoring is crucial to identify and control pollution. The
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Environment
Protection Act 1986 are legal frameworks aimed at preventing water
pollution.
o Awareness campaigns in agriculture and industry can help reduce the use of
harmful chemicals and minimize waste generation, preventing contamination
of water bodies.
 2. Sustainable Water Use:
o Sustainable water use involves conserving water resources without depleting
them. This can be achieved by promoting the reuse and recycling of water. For
example, water from household drains can be used for gardening, while
wastewater from industries can be treated and reused.
o The United Nations Environment Programme has initiated Integrated Water
Resources Management (IWRM) to ensure coordinated management of
water, land, and resources, promoting long-term sustainability.
3. Watershed Management:
o Watershed management focuses on the conservation and efficient use of both
surface and groundwater resources. It involves techniques such as recharge
wells, check dams, and tanks for groundwater replenishment.
o Successful watershed management requires active participation from local
communities, as seen in various programs like Haryali and Neeru-Meeru.
4. Rainwater Harvesting:
o Rainwater harvesting involves capturing and storing rainwater for later use,
helping to recharge groundwater tables and prevent flooding. This technique
also improves water quality by diluting contaminants.
o Traditionally practiced in India through methods like kunds and tanks,
rainwater harvesting is now being promoted in urban and institutional areas
for water conservation.
5. Role of Dams in Water Conservation:
o Dams play a significant role in water management by storing water for
irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and municipal
supply. Notable dam projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam (Narmada River)
and Nagarjun Sagar Dam (Krishna River) have transformed agricultural
productivity.
o However, challenges such as unequal water distribution, ecological
disruptions, and flood risks due to dam mismanagement highlight the need
for careful planning and management of these projects.
Conclusion
India faces growing challenges in managing its water resources due to population growth,
pollution, and climate variability. While there are various solutions available, such as water
recycling, watershed management, and rainwater harvesting, effective implementation and
community involvement are key to ensuring a sustainable and equitable water supply for
future generations.
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