1. Five R's to Save the Environment

Chapter 16

Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Ganga Action Plan

This plan was launched by Shri Rajeev Gandhi in 1986. It is to improve the water quality of Ganga by treatment, diversion and interception etc. It also includes treatment of domestic sewage and industrial effluents before releasing them into water bodies.
Natural Resources are obtained from earth and its environment. Natural resources are classified as-
Renewable resources which are continuously available for use. They do not get exhausted with time. For Example, Sunlight, Wind, Water etc.
Non-renewable Resources are those which gets exhausted with time. They are present in limited amount on the earth. For Example, Minerals.
Natural Resources are also classified as biotic and abiotic resources.
Biotic Resources can be obtained from forests, animals etc. For Example, Fossil Fuels.
Abiotic Resources are those that come from non-living and non-organic material.
There are five important terminologies used which are as follows-
Refuse: Say no to things that are offered to an individual. For Example, an individual say no to buy plastic products.
Reduce: Minimize the use of anything. For Example, minimize the use of fans, tube lights etc.
Reuse: To use the things again and again is defined as reuse.
Repurpose: When a particular thing cannot be used for a purpose, it can be used for another purpose.
Recycle: When the material can be used to make the needed things.

Why do we need to manage resources?

• We need to manage the resources because they are present in limited quantity.
• With the increase in population, the demand for resources are increasing.
• So, there is a need to manage the resources to minimize their use and preventing the exploitation of resources.