CG Board Class 10 Social Science Chapter 1 Solutions: Resources and Development (संसाधन और विकास) (2026-27)

c) Both statement and reason are correct**

• Explanation: In the early Stone Age, humans did not know how to extract or use iron ore, so it was not a resource then; technology to use iron developed much later during the metal ages.

b) Only the reason is correct**

• Explanation: The statement is false because water conservation is urgent due to over-exploitation and pollution. The reason is correct because rainwater does naturally recharge groundwater.

c) Both statement and reason are correct**

• Explanation: Forests renew themselves through natural seed dispersal and growth if the rate of harvesting does not exceed their natural regeneration capacity.

Nature provides various materials like rocks, water, soil, and minerals, which are initially termed ‘natural wealth’. These materials do not become ‘resources’ automatically. They become resources only when human beings apply their intellect, skills, technical knowledge, and labor to convert them into usable forms to satisfy human needs.

• For example, crude oil lying underground for millions of years was not a resource until humans invented refining techniques to produce petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
• Similarly, running river water becomes a power resource only when hydroelectric dams are built. Thus, resources are created through human interaction with nature.

Resource management is essential for several reasons

1. Finite Quantities: Non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum are limited and will be exhausted soon if used indiscriminately.
2. Preventing Environmental Degradation: Over-exploitation causes air, water, and soil pollution, ecological imbalance, and health hazards.
3. Protecting Natural Renewal Cycles: Excessive drawls of groundwater or deforestation disrupt natural self-purification and recharge cycles.
4. Ensuring Sustainable Development: Wise management ensures current development needs are met without compromising the needs of future generations.
5. Equitable Distribution: Prevents resource concentration in a few wealthy hands, promoting fair access for all.

Water is a fundamental resource on which almost all biotic and abiotic resources depend

1. Agricultural Resources: Food crops, grains, sugarcane, and vegetables require water for irrigation.
2. Forest and Vegetation Resources: Plant growth, forest regeneration, and wood production rely entirely on rainwater and soil moisture.
3. Animal and Livestock Resources: Domestic animals, birds, and aquatic life (fish) require water for survival and breeding.
4. Energy Resources: Hydroelectric power generation and thermal power cooling plants depend directly on river and reservoir water.
5. Industrial & Human Settlements: Manufacturing industries, mining operations, drinking water systems, and municipal sanitation depend heavily on water resources.

Match Column I and Column II and choose the correct option:

Options given in textbook:

(a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D

(b) 1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A

(c) 1-D, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C

(d) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C

• Correct Option: (d) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C

3. :

• 1. → D.
• 2. → A.
• 3. → B.
• 4. → C.
• : (d) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C