CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources are materials and components (something that can be used) that can be found within
the environment. Every man-made product is composed of natural resources (at its fundamental
level). A natural resource may exist as a separate entity such as fresh water, and air, as well as a
living organism such as a fish, or it may exist in an alternate form which must be processed to obtain
the resource such as metal ores, oil, and most forms of energy.

The main natural resources of India are iron ore, bauxite, and copper ore. India is one of the major
producers of iron in the world. Iron ore is found all over India, the major contributors being the states
of Bihar and Orissa. A quarter of all mining is carried out in the southern part of Orissa. Gold, silver,
and diamonds make up a small part of other natural resources available in India. The gemstones are
found in Rajasthan.

Major portion of the energy in India is generated from coal. It is estimated that India has around 120
billion tons of coal in reserve, enough to last for around 120 years. Huge reserves of petroleum have
been found off the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat. But such wide scale resources in India has
brought careless attitude in the government authorities which is the prime cause of illegal mining
,destruction of forests for furniture resulting to deforestation and various other types of pollution
related to air ,land ,water.

Recently we all have heard of Ganga the holiest river of India, it has been turned to some of the
ugliest drain with choloform making it unfit for even drinking. Government of India had taken many
steps to resurrect back the river, it had set up Ganga action plan, but to a extent it has not given any
great results. Now Ganga River is known to be for its various cancer causing microbes. Many cases of
cancer ailments have been reported.

Our natural resources in India are under great threat from Urbanization and Industrialization ,
Overpopulation, overconsumption and irresponsible use, deforestation, erosion and habitat destruction
and natural hazards,

Natural resources are actually nature's gift to mankind to help us live a comfortable and peaceful life.
But, at the same time, we as human beings have the responsibility of conserving natural resources by
taking the right steps. This will help us maintain the environmental balance and satisfy our needs to
the maximum. A planned and prudent use of the resources alone can protect from getting extinct.
Apart from blaming government authorities the people should instead cultivate awareness among
themselves so that proper utilisation and effective usage of resources would be possible, some other
steps that can be taken in lieu of conservation of natural resources are mentioned below:

First, water is the most important natural resource which should be conserved by adopting strict rules
and measurements. Often, we see wastage of water on a large-scale which can be avoided by
conducting training and information sessions to educate people. People should use minimum water for
daily needs such as washing cars and utensils. Whenever you see open taps, you should immediately
go and close them properly to save water.

Second, apart from water, steps must also be taken to save natural gas. There are several households
which make use of natural gas for heating water in their homes. Instead, if you can have a water
heater empty out of a tank, then you will be successful in minimizing excessive use of natural gas.
Developing and using solar and hydro power can be a great way of saving natural resources. While
the rays of the sun can be used for producing solar energy
 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Third, forests are also a precious gift for humans from nature as they provide us protection from the
harmful rays of the sun and also with products such as gums and resins. But, over the years,
deforestation has affected several regions of the world in a negative way. So, we should participate in
campaigns for preserving forests and also take up tasks of planting new trees for our protected future.

Conclusion:
Thus it becomes essential to understand the conservation of natural resources because it is
said that Todays wastage is Tomorrows shortage.