Learn about India’s land resources,
soil types, and strategies for sustainable land management
and resource development.
Chapter 1 Resource and Development
Class 10 NCERT Geography: Contemporary India-II |
Questions Answers
Updated for 2024-2025 Exams
Multiple Choice Questions:
- Which one of the following is the
main cause of land degradation in Punjab? - (a) Intensive cultivation
- (b) Deforestation
- (c) Over irrigation
- (d) Overgrazing
Answer: (c) Over irrigation - In which one of the following
states is terrace cultivation practised? - (a) Punjab
- (b) Plains of Uttar Pradesh
- (c) Haryana
- (d) Uttarakhand
Answer: (d) Uttarakhand - In which of the following states
is black soil predominantly found? - (a) Uttar Pradesh
- (b) Maharashtra
- (c) Rajasthan
- (d) Jharkhand
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
Short Answer Questions (30 Words):
1. Name
three states having black soil and the crop which is mainly grown in it.
Answer: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The main
crop grown in black soil is cotton.
2. What
type of soil is found in the river deltas of the eastern coast? Give three main
features of this type of soil.
Answer: Alluvial soil; it is fertile, contains potash and
phosphoric acid, and supports crops like rice and sugarcane.
3. What
steps can be taken to control soil erosion in the hilly areas?
Answer: Contour ploughing, terrace farming, and afforestation
can help control soil erosion in hilly areas.
Long Answer Questions
(120 Words):
1. Explain the land use pattern in India and why has the
land under forest not increased much since 1960-61?
Answer: India’s
land use pattern consists of plains (43%), which support agriculture and
industry, mountains (30%), which offer ecological benefits like river systems
and tourism, and plateaus (27%), which are rich in minerals and forests. The
land use is influenced by both physical factors like topography and soil types
and human factors such as population density and technology. Since 1960-61,
forest cover has not increased significantly due to deforestation for
agriculture, urbanization, and industrial expansion. Despite policies like the
National Forest Policy, which aimed for 33% forest cover, economic pressures,
illegal encroachments, and growing population demands have hindered forest
growth, resulting in only a marginal increase in forested land.
2. How have technological and economic developments led to
more consumption of resources?
Answer:
Technological advancements, such as improved machinery and industrial
processes, have allowed large-scale extraction and utilization of natural
resources, making it easier to exploit them. Economic development has increased
consumption due to higher energy demands, industrialization, and urbanization.
This has caused the over-exploitation of resources like fossil fuels, minerals,
and forests. As economies grow, more infrastructure, housing, and consumer
goods are needed, putting further pressure on natural resources. Additionally,
the pursuit of profits and modern lifestyles has resulted in unsustainable
resource consumption, leading to issues like deforestation, water scarcity, and
pollution. Without proper resource planning and conservation measures, these
trends risk depleting resource