11. Direction for Sustainable Development

(b) Meeting present needs while considering future needs

Sustainable development means using natural resources to fulfil our present needs in such a way that enough of them remain for future generations. Economic, industrial or agricultural growth alone does not ensure this.

(c) Once used, they are exhausted

Exhaustible resources such as coal, petroleum and natural gas take millions of years to form. Once used, they are not regenerated, or they regenerate very slowly. Options (a), (b) and (d) describe inexhaustible resources.

Answer: 1 – c, 2 – a, 3 – b

Exhaustible elements

1. These resources fall under non-renewable resources.
2. They are available in limited quantities in nature.
3. They get depleted when used and are not regenerated, or they regenerate very slowly. Fuels like petroleum and coal take millions of years to form.
4. Due to uncontrolled use, they may get depleted in the near future.
5. Examples: minerals such as iron, copper and bauxite; fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural gas.

Inexhaustible elements

1. These resources fall under renewable resources.
2. They are available in unlimited quantities in nature.
3. They never get exhausted, or they are reproduced naturally, quickly and in a comparatively short period.
4. They will remain available for future generations if we use them properly.
5. Examples: sunlight, air, water, plants, animals and microorganisms.

Some natural elements never get exhausted, or they are reproduced naturally. Such elements are called inexhaustible resources. They are available in unlimited quantities in nature and are reproduced quickly, in a comparatively short period. Examples are sunlight, air, water, soil, plants (trees), animals and microorganisms. The Sun gives us light and heat every day, and new plants and animals are born continuously. These resources play an important part in human life.

The word ‘Shaswat’ comes from Sanskrit and means ‘lasting forever’ or ‘permanent’ (sustainable). Sustainability of natural resources means using resources such as the Sun, air, water and land in a way that fulfils our present needs while keeping them available for future generations. For this, resources must be used carefully, exhaustible resources must be saved, and resources must be conserved and protected. The Sun, land, air and water are the four pillars of nature, and their conservation is the true formula for sustainable development.

• Living standard: Water is essential for drinking and cleaning.
• Occupations: It is needed for agriculture, fishing and other occupations, and for generating hydroelectricity.
• Economic development: Irrigation increases farm production, and water is needed in industries, so production increases.
• Vegetation and animals: Plants need water to grow and for food production. Water is also a habitat for many animals and gives them drinking water.
• Environmental balance: Water maintains the balance of the water cycle.

Hence water must be conserved through rainwater harvesting and by replenishing water reserves.

• Makar Sankrant: Celebrated around 14 January, when the Sun enters the Makar (Capricorn) zodiac sign and begins its apparent northward journey (Uttarayan). Days start becoming longer. People exchange til-gul (sesame and jaggery), which gives warmth and energy in winter, and fly kites in the sunshine.
• Pongal: A harvest festival of Tamil Nadu celebrated at the same time. On Surya Pongal, newly harvested rice is cooked with milk and jaggery and offered to the Sun in thanks for a good harvest.
• Chhath Puja: Celebrated mainly in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Devotees stand in rivers or ponds and offer arghya (water) to the setting and the rising Sun.
• Rathasaptami: Celebrated in the month of Magha as the birthday of the Sun god (Surya Jayanti). People worship the Sun at sunrise.

These festivals express gratitude to the Sun, which gives light, heat and energy and helps crops to grow.

Effect on human health:

• Air is essential for respiration. Humans and animals cannot live without the oxygen in air.
• Clean and fresh air keeps us healthy. Green (clean) energy such as wind energy does not pollute the air and so improves health.
• When air is polluted by smoke from vehicles and factories, burning of waste and dust, it causes coughing, asthma and other breathing and lung diseases.

Effect on the environment:

• Air maintains the carbon-oxygen cycle. Plants take in carbon dioxide from air and give out oxygen.
• Air maintains the balance of the atmosphere and helps in weather changes and rainfall.
• Wind can be used to produce wind energy, which helps run pollution-free industries.
• Polluted air harms plants and animals and disturbs the balance of the environment. It also increases the temperature of the Earth.

Therefore, afforestation and pollution control are necessary to conserve air.

Indian festivals are not only based on religious traditions but are also connected to nature, science, health, Ayurveda and agricultural life. They are linked to the seasons, climate, farming and natural elements. Each festival inspires us to preserve and respect a natural element:

• Vatpournima – Banyan tree: Women worship the banyan tree, which lives long and gives shade and oxygen. This encourages the protection of trees.
• Pola – Bullocks (animals): Farmers bathe, decorate and worship their bullocks and give them rest, thanking them for their help in farming.
• Ghatasthapana – Soil and air: Grains are sown in soil in an earthen pot, which shows respect for soil and seeds.
• Makar Sankrant – the Sun: The Sun is honoured as the source of light, heat and energy.
• Narali Pournima – the Sea: The fishing community offers a coconut to the sea and thanks it before starting fishing again after the monsoon.
• Ramjan Eid and Buddha Pournima – the Moon: These festivals are linked to the phases of the Moon.
• Baisakhi – Crop harvesting: Farmers celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the produce of the land.

Festivals also include folk songs, powada, ovi, bharud and dances that carry this message of respect for nature. Thus, festivals make a valuable contribution to conserving sustainable elements.

Yes, sometimes sustainable elements are wasted. For example:

1. Taps are left running while brushing teeth or washing hands, or leaking taps are not repaired, so water is wasted.
2. Lights and fans are left on in empty classrooms and rooms, so electricity is wasted.

• Taps are closed properly after use and leaking taps are repaired immediately.
• Water is stored in covered containers and is used only as much as needed.
• Water used for washing vegetables and rice is reused for watering plants.
• A bucket is used for bathing and washing vehicles instead of a running pipe.
• Rainwater harvesting is done by collecting rainwater from the roof.
• Water tanks are cleaned regularly and overflow is prevented.