Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Biotic resources, derived from living organisms, form a crucial component of India’s natural wealth, supporting livelihoods and ecological balance. India’s diverse climate and topography have resulted in a wide array of biotic resource regions, ranging from the tropical rainforests of the Northeast to the mangrove forests of the coastlines and the vast grasslands of the Deccan plateau. However, these resources are facing increasing pressure due to anthropogenic activities and environmental changes. This answer will identify the important biotic resource regions of India and highlight the problems they currently encounter, impacting both ecological sustainability and economic prosperity.
Forest Resources
India’s forest cover, classified into tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, thorn forests, and alpine forests, is a significant biotic resource. Regions like the Western Ghats, Northeast India, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are particularly rich.
- Problems: Deforestation due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure projects (like the Ken-Betwa river linking project), and illegal logging. Forest fires, exacerbated by climate change, are also a major threat. According to the Forest Survey of India (2021), India lost 1,298 sq km of forest cover.
- Impact: Loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, altered hydrological cycles, and displacement of tribal communities.
Grassland & Pastoral Resources
The grasslands of the Deccan Plateau, the Himalayan foothills (Terai region), and parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan support pastoral communities and livestock. These regions are vital for animal husbandry.
- Problems: Overgrazing leading to land degradation and desertification, particularly in Rajasthan. Conversion of grasslands to agricultural land. Decreasing water availability due to climate change impacts.
- Impact: Reduced carrying capacity of land, loss of biodiversity, and livelihood insecurity for pastoralists.
Fisheries Resources
India has a vast coastline and extensive inland fisheries (rivers, lakes, ponds). Major fishing regions include the coasts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as the Sundarbans delta.
- Problems: Overfishing leading to depletion of fish stocks. Pollution from industrial effluents and agricultural runoff. Destruction of mangrove ecosystems (critical fish breeding grounds). Climate change impacts like rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification.
- Impact: Reduced fish catches, economic losses for fishing communities, and disruption of marine ecosystems.
Agricultural Resources
India’s agricultural lands, particularly the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the fertile black soil regions of Maharashtra, and the coastal plains, are crucial biotic resources.
- Problems: Soil degradation due to intensive agriculture, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and waterlogging. Loss of crop diversity. Climate change impacts like erratic rainfall and increased frequency of droughts and floods.
- Impact: Reduced agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and environmental pollution.
Mangrove Ecosystems
Found along the coastlines, particularly in West Bengal (Sundarbans), Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, mangroves are highly productive ecosystems.
- Problems: Deforestation for aquaculture (shrimp farming), urbanization, and industrial development. Pollution from oil spills and industrial effluents. Sea level rise and increased frequency of cyclones.
- Impact: Loss of coastal protection, reduced fish breeding grounds, and loss of biodiversity.
| Biotic Resource Region | Major Problems |
|---|---|
| Forests | Deforestation, Forest Fires, Illegal Logging |
| Grasslands | Overgrazing, Land Degradation, Conversion to Agriculture |
| Fisheries | Overfishing, Pollution, Mangrove Destruction |
| Agricultural Lands | Soil Degradation, Chemical Pollution, Climate Change Impacts |
| Mangroves | Aquaculture, Urbanization, Sea Level Rise |
Conclusion
India’s biotic resources are under significant strain, threatening both ecological integrity and the livelihoods of millions. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in mangrove restoration, and empowering local communities to participate in resource management. Integrating climate change adaptation strategies into resource management plans is also crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these vital ecosystems. A holistic and integrated approach is essential to safeguard India’s rich biotic heritage for future generations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.