Explain the classification of resources on the basis of the status of development. [CBSE 2008, 2015]

Explain the classification of resources on the basis of the status of development. [CBSE 2008, 2015]

Ans. (i) Potential Resources : Resources which are found in a region but have not been utilised due to lack of capital or other reasons. For example: the western parts of India, particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat have enormous potential for the development of wind and solar energy, but so far, these have not been developed properly.

(ii) Developed Resources : These are resources which have been surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilisation. The development of resources depends on technology and the level of their feasibility.

(iii) Stock : These are the materials in the environment which have the potential to satisfy the human needs but cannot be used as the human beings do not have the appropriate technology to convert them into usable form. For example, water (H₂O) is a compound of two inflammable gases, i.e., hydrogen and oxygen, but human beings do not have the required technology to use them as a source of energy.

(iv) Reserves : These are the subset of the stock. which can be put into use with the existing technology, but their uses have been postponed keeping in mind the needs of the future generations. For example, India has sufficient amount of forests to fulfil the needs of the present generation, but they are being protected for the future generations.