Distribution, Resource Curse & Stewardship

NCERT Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part-I | Natural Resources and Their Use

Distribution of Natural Resources and Its Implications

Natural resources are not evenly spread across the planet or even within a single country. This uneven distribution shapes where human settlements develop, how trade patterns form, what international relations look like, and sometimes even why conflicts arise. Throughout history, many wars have been fought — and continue to be fought — to gain control over valuable resources.

Industries that set up near natural resource deposits create employment for local communities. Townships expand around them, bringing modern facilities and improving quality of life. However, these benefits often come with significant costs. People in resource-rich areas have sometimes been displaced^? from their homes to make way for extraction projects. In some cases, sacred places are threatened, leading to deep conflicts.

National and international trade depend heavily on where natural resources are located. Combined with human knowledge and skills, geographical resources can create distinctive products — like the legendary Wootz steel^? of ancient India. Trade in such products helped fuel the rise of great empires across the subcontinent.

Nature does not respect political boundaries. Rivers flow across state lines and national borders, leading to tensions over sharing. One well-known example is the Kaveri river water dispute^? among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Careful negotiations and skilful management were needed to maintain peace and ensure fair sharing. Reaching such agreements between neighbouring countries is even more challenging.

The ‘Natural Resource Curse’

India has generally avoided this curse by investing in industries, technology and skill development to process raw materials domestically rather than simply exporting them. However, the challenge of balancing resource extraction with sustainability remains. Good governance, human knowledge and strategic planning determine whether resources become lasting benefits or temporary windfalls.

Responsible and Wise Use of Natural Resources: Stewardship

Sustaining life on Earth requires that we respect Nature and use resources in ways that allow renewable resources to restore and regenerate, while using non-renewable ones responsibly and judiciously. Scientists have warned that irresponsible treatment of natural resources has led to biodiversity loss^?, pollution and climate change at an accelerating pace.

Caselet: Overexploitation of Groundwater in Punjab

Punjab was at the heart of India's Green Revolution^?, which helped the nation become self-sufficient in food production. In the 1960s, farmers shifted to high-yielding varieties of wheat and paddy that required far more water than traditional seeds. They began extracting groundwater to meet this need, and free electricity supply encouraged over-pumping — a situation still common across much of India.

The combined effect has been devastating. In large parts of Punjab, the water table has dropped so deep that wells must reach about 30 metres or more. Chemical pesticides and fertilisers have dissolved into the groundwater, creating health hazards. Nearly 80 per cent of Punjab's area has been classified as ‘over-exploited’ — meaning water is being drawn far faster than it can be naturally replenished.

Strategies being attempted include traditional water harvesting, rejuvenation of ponds and tanks, reducing wasteful consumption, and processing and reusing water.

The Case of Cement Production

Cement is essential for modern life — our homes, schools, hospitals, bridges, roads and airports all depend on it. However, cement production is among the most polluting industries. The process releases fine dust that damages lungs, settles on plant leaves reducing yields, and causes soil and water pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board has issued guidelines to minimise this pollution.

Alternative approaches include the use of traditional materials like stone and mud (used for centuries in structures like the Jaisalmer Fort), new plant-based materials, and recycled waste plastic. A modern community building in Auroville demonstrates how mud can be used with special techniques to create contemporary, durable structures.

Ancient Wisdom: Vrikshayurveda

Vrikshayurveda^? is an ancient Indian botanical science focused on the study and care of plants and trees. Formalised in texts like Surapala's work around the 10th century CE, it provides detailed recommendations on which plants to grow on different soil types, methods for seed collection and preservation, irrigation techniques suited to species and seasons, and natural pest management strategies. It also advises on ploughing methods that preserve soil moisture and support underground organisms like fungi, bacteria and earthworms.

Caselet: Sikkim's Organic Farming Success

Pema's family farm in Sikkim faced declining yields and mounting debts from expensive chemical inputs. When the state government promoted organic farming, her family decided to try. The transition was difficult — initially yields dropped as the soil recovered from years of chemical use. But the family switched to compost, made natural pest repellents using neem and garlic, and grew multiple crops throughout the year.

After about five years, the farm was thriving. Pema could sell her cardamom, ginger and traditional vegetables at premium prices. In 2016, Sikkim became the world's first 100 per cent organic state with all farmland certified organic. Local biodiversity flourished, tourism increased, and farmers' incomes grew by about 20 per cent on average. Sikkim today serves as a global model for sustainable agriculture.

India and the International Solar Alliance

India and France launched the International Solar Alliance^? (ISA) in 2015 — a coalition of sunshine-rich countries committed to harnessing solar power. India has helped channel billions of dollars into solar projects across developing nations, sharing expertise and creating affordable financing. The Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, one of the world's largest, symbolises India's solar ambitions and demonstrates how a country can transition from traditional to renewable energy sources.

We must remember our relationship with Nature and act as stewards of natural resources — working toward restoration, regeneration and sustainability. The Bhagavad Gita refers to lokasangraha — the idea that everyone must rise above personal desires and act for the wellbeing of all. The question before us: has the time come to take this seriously?