NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers + Important Extra Questions
Section A: In-Text Questions
What changes would you suggest in your home in order to be environment-friendly?
Answer
(i) Use LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances to save electricity. (ii) Switch off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use. (iii) Use a solar water heater instead of an electric geyser. (iv) Collect rainwater for gardening (rainwater harvesting). (v) Segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. (vi) Compost kitchen waste at home. (vii) Repair leaking taps to conserve water. (viii) Use cloth bags instead of plastic bags. (ix) Plant trees around the house.
Can you suggest some changes in your school which would make it more environment-friendly?
Answer
(i) Plant more trees in the school campus. (ii) Install rainwater harvesting systems. (iii) Set up a compost pit for canteen and garden waste. (iv) Use both sides of paper for writing and printing. (v) Set up recycling bins for paper, plastic, and metal waste. (vi) Use solar panels for electricity generation. (vii) Promote cycling or walking to school. (viii) Avoid disposable plates and cups in the canteen. (ix) Organise environmental awareness programs regularly.
We saw in this chapter that there are four main stakeholders when it comes to forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why?
Answer
The four stakeholders are: (i) People living in and around forests, (ii) Forest Department of the government, (iii) Industrialists who use forest produce, (iv) Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. The local communities (people living in and around forests) should have a significant say because they depend on forests for their livelihood and have traditional knowledge of sustainable forest use. History shows that when local communities are involved in forest management (e.g., Bishnoi community in Rajasthan, Chipko movement), forests are better protected. A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, with strong participation of local people, works best.
How can you as an individual contribute or make a difference to the management of (a) forests and wildlife, (b) water resources, and (c) coal and petroleum?
Answer
(a) Forests and wildlife: Plant trees, avoid using products from endangered species, support conservation organisations, use recycled paper, avoid unnecessary cutting of trees, reduce consumption of wood products, spread awareness about wildlife protection.
(b) Water resources: Fix leaking taps, take shorter showers, use a bucket instead of a running tap, harvest rainwater, avoid wasting water while brushing or washing, reuse water where possible (e.g., use washing machine water for flushing/gardening).
(c) Coal and petroleum: Use public transport/carpool/cycle, switch off engines at red lights, use energy-efficient appliances, use solar energy for heating, reduce electricity consumption (most electricity comes from coal), buy fuel-efficient vehicles, walk for short distances.
What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources?
Answer
Follow the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce electricity and water usage. Reuse items instead of buying new ones. Recycle paper, metal, glass, and plastic. Use public transport. Buy local products (less transport fuel). Use renewable energy sources (solar panels). Avoid single-use plastics. Eat seasonal and locally grown food. Choose products with less packaging. Repair items instead of replacing them.
Section B: NCERT Exercise Questions
What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?
Answer
(i) Carry a reusable water bottle and cloth bag instead of buying disposable ones. (ii) Walk, cycle, or use public transport for short distances instead of using a car. (iii) Switch off lights, fans, and electronic devices when leaving a room. (iv) Take shorter showers and turn off taps while brushing teeth. (v) Use both sides of paper. (vi) Segregate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories. (vii) Choose products with minimal packaging. (viii) Repair and reuse items instead of discarding them. (ix) Plant and care for trees.
What would be the advantages of exploiting resources with short-term aims?
Answer
Short-term exploitation provides immediate economic benefits: (i) Rapid industrial growth and higher GDP. (ii) Quick employment generation in mining, logging, and manufacturing. (iii) Meeting immediate demands of a growing population for food, fuel, and materials. (iv) Revenue generation for the government. However, this approach is unsustainable and leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and long-term economic damage. The short-term gains are far outweighed by long-term losses — it is essentially borrowing from the future.
How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?
Answer
Long-term management focuses on sustainable development — using resources wisely so they are available for future generations too. Advantages: (i) Resources last longer and are available for future generations. (ii) Ecosystems remain healthy and balanced, maintaining biodiversity. (iii) Long-term economic stability rather than boom-and-bust cycles. (iv) Less pollution and environmental damage. (v) Better quality of life in the long run. (vi) Compliance with intergenerational equity — meeting present needs without compromising future needs. Short-term exploitation gives quick gains but causes irreversible damage; long-term management gives steady, sustained benefits.
Why do you think there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of our resources?
Answer
Equitable distribution is necessary because: (i) All humans have equal right to resources for survival and a decent quality of life. (ii) Without it, rich and powerful groups exploit resources, leaving the poor deprived. (iii) It prevents social conflicts and ensures peace. (iv) It promotes overall development rather than concentration of wealth.
Forces working against equitable distribution: (i) Rich and powerful industrialists who want to maximise profits. (ii) Corruption in government and administration. (iii) Unequal political power — marginalised communities have less say in decision-making. (iv) Colonial legacy of resource extraction. (v) Market forces that favour those with more capital. (vi) Lack of awareness among deprived communities about their rights.
Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer
(i) Forests maintain the balance of nature — they regulate climate, rainfall, and water cycle. (ii) They provide oxygen and absorb CO₂, combating climate change. (iii) They prevent soil erosion and floods. (iv) They are habitats for millions of species — loss of forests means loss of biodiversity. (v) Many tribal and rural communities depend on forests for food, medicine, fuel, and livelihood. (vi) Forests provide raw materials for industries — timber, paper, rubber, medicines. (vii) Wildlife maintains food chains and ecological balance. (viii) Many species have potential medicinal or economic value yet to be discovered. (ix) We have an ethical responsibility to protect other species from extinction.
Suggest some approaches towards the conservation of forests.
Answer
(i) Afforestation: Plant new trees to replace those cut down; promote social forestry and farm forestry. (ii) Controlled deforestation: Implement strict logging regulations; allow only selective, sustainable cutting. (iii) Community participation: Involve local communities in forest management (Joint Forest Management). (iv) Protected areas: Establish and maintain national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. (v) Anti-poaching measures: Strict laws and enforcement against illegal hunting and logging. (vi) Alternative fuel sources: Provide LPG and biogas to reduce dependence on firewood. (vii) Awareness: Educate people about the importance of forests. (viii) Recycling: Recycle paper and wood products to reduce demand for fresh timber.
Find out about the traditional systems of water harvesting/management in your region.
Answer
Traditional water harvesting systems vary by region in India:
(i) Rajasthan: Khadin (embankment for rainwater), Johad (earthen check dams), Nadis (village ponds), Tankas (underground tanks for drinking water).
(ii) Maharashtra: Bandharas and Tals (small dams and lakes).
(iii) Madhya Pradesh and UP: Bundhis (earthen dams), Talab (tanks), Baoli (step wells).
(iv) Himachal Pradesh: Kulhs (channels to divert stream water to fields).
(v) Tamil Nadu: Eris (tanks fed by channels from rivers), Surangams (horizontal wells).
(vi) Kerala: Surangams (tunnels dug into hillsides to collect groundwater).
These systems recharged groundwater, prevented floods, and ensured year-round water supply — many are being revived today.
Compare the above system with the methods currently adopted for water conservation.
Answer
Traditional methods: Simple, low-cost, locally designed, community-managed, suited to local conditions, recharged groundwater, used natural materials, maintained by communities, environmentally friendly.
Modern methods: Large dams and reservoirs (high cost, displacement, ecosystem damage), concrete check dams, drip and sprinkler irrigation, rooftop rainwater harvesting (piped to storage/recharge), treated wastewater recycling, reverse osmosis plants, inter-linking of rivers (proposed). Modern methods are technology-intensive and expensive but can serve larger populations. However, many are less sustainable and cause more environmental damage than traditional methods. The ideal approach combines traditional wisdom with modern technology.
Section C: Important Extra Questions
What is sustainable development?
Answer
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987). It involves using resources wisely, minimising waste and pollution, protecting biodiversity, using renewable energy, recycling materials, and balancing economic growth with environmental protection. The goal is to ensure long-term well-being for both humans and the environment.
What is the Chipko Movement? What was its significance?
Answer
The Chipko Movement (Chipko Andolan) was a forest conservation movement that began in 1974 in the Garhwal Himalayas (now Uttarakhand). Villagers, led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and inspired by Gaura Devi, hugged trees (chipko means to embrace/hug) to prevent contractors from cutting them. The movement started in Reni village when women physically hugged trees to stop loggers. Its significance: (i) It brought global attention to the importance of community-led forest conservation. (ii) It led to the Government of India banning tree felling in the Himalayan region for 15 years. (iii) It inspired similar movements worldwide. (iv) It demonstrated that local communities are the best guardians of their natural resources.
What is the importance of water harvesting? How does it help in groundwater recharge?
Answer
Water harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. Its importance: (i) It provides water during dry seasons and droughts. (ii) It reduces dependence on rivers and groundwater. (iii) It reduces flooding and soil erosion by capturing runoff. (iv) It recharges groundwater tables.
Groundwater recharge: Harvested rainwater is directed into percolation pits, recharge wells, or absorption trenches where it slowly seeps into the ground, replenishing aquifers. This prevents the water table from falling, ensures availability of groundwater for wells and bore wells, and improves water quality as soil acts as a natural filter.
What are the advantages of dams? What are the problems associated with large dams?
Answer
Advantages: (i) Water storage for irrigation throughout the year. (ii) Hydroelectric power generation (clean energy). (iii) Flood control by regulating water flow. (iv) Water supply for drinking and industrial use. (v) Recreation and fisheries.
Problems: (i) Displacement of large populations — social and economic disruption (e.g., Sardar Sarovar Dam displaced thousands). (ii) Submergence of forests and agricultural land, causing loss of biodiversity. (iii) Changes in river ecology downstream — reduced silt flow, fish migration disrupted. (iv) Risk of dam failure causing catastrophic floods. (v) Waterlogging and increased salinity in surrounding areas. (vi) Inequitable distribution of water — benefiting some regions while depriving others. (vii) Extremely high construction costs.
Why should we use coal and petroleum judiciously?
Answer
(i) Coal and petroleum are non-renewable resources — they take millions of years to form and exist in limited quantities. At current consumption rates, they may run out within decades. (ii) Burning them produces CO₂ (causing global warming), SO₂ and NOₓ (causing acid rain), and particulate matter (causing air pollution and respiratory diseases). (iii) Their extraction damages the environment — coal mining destroys landscapes, oil drilling can cause spills. (iv) There are no easy substitutes available at the same scale yet. (v) Judicious use extends their availability for future generations while we develop renewable alternatives.