Natural Resources
Overview
Natural resources form the foundation of economic development and human survival. For CG TET Paper II Social Studies, this topic bridges geography with civics and environmental awareness—examiners frequently test the classification of resources, conservation methods, and India-Chhattisgarh specific resource distribution.
Expect 2–4 questions directly from this topic, often combining factual recall (types of soil, major minerals) with application-based questions on conservation strategies. Students must master the classification framework, know India's and Chhattisgarh's resource profile, and understand sustainable development principles. Questions also link to the Environment and Sustainable Development topic, so concepts here have cross-cutting relevance.
The key skill is distinguishing between resource types (renewable vs non-renewable, biotic vs abiotic) and connecting resources to their geographic distribution and conservation needs.
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Key Concepts
- **Classification by Origin**: Biotic resources (forests, fisheries, livestock—derived from living things) versus Abiotic resources (minerals, water, soil—non-living origin).
- **Classification by Renewability**: Renewable resources (solar energy, wind, water, forests) can replenish naturally; Non-renewable resources (coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals) exist in fixed quantities and deplete with use.
- **Classification by Development Status**: Potential resources (known but not yet utilised), Developed resources (surveyed and currently in use), Stock (exist but lack technology to access), Reserve (subset of stock that can be used with existing technology).
- **Soil as a Resource**: Soil formation takes thousands of years; it is renewable only over geological time. India has six major soil types—alluvial, black, red, laterite, desert, and mountain soil.
- **Water Resources**: Only 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater; India receives 4% of world's freshwater but has 18% of world's population—making conservation critical.
- **Forest Resources**: Forests cover about 21.71% of India's geographic area (2021 report). They provide timber, fuel, fodder, medicinal plants, and regulate climate.
- **Mineral Resources**: Minerals are non-renewable. India is rich in iron ore, coal, bauxite, mica, and manganese. Chhattisgarh holds significant coal and iron ore deposits.
- **Energy Resources**: Conventional sources (coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydel, nuclear) versus Non-conventional sources (solar, wind, biogas, tidal, geothermal).