Natural resources, environment, and sustainable development are interconnected concepts that play a crucial role in the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Natural resources refer to the raw materials and components found in nature, such as water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels, that are essential for human survival and economic development. The environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally, including the air, water, land, and ecosystems, which provide the necessary conditions for life on Earth.

Sustainable development is the practice of utilizing natural resources and managing the environment in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection, ensuring that progress today does not lead to depletion or degradation of resources for tomorrow. Understanding and integrating these concepts are vital for creating policies and practices that foster a healthy, equitable, and prosperous future for all.

India is endowed with a diverse range of natural resources, which form the backbone of its economy and support the livelihoods of its population. The management and sustainable use of these resources are critical for the country’s development and environmental health

Land

India's land resources are varied, encompassing arable land, forests, mountains, and coastal regions. The total geographical area of India is approximately 3.28 million square kilometres, with land use distributed among agriculture, forests, urban areas, and non-agricultural uses.

1.Arable Land: India has about 50% of its land classified as arable, making it one of the largest agricultural producers in the world. The fertile plains of the Ganges and Indus rivers support extensive farming of crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Arable land is concentrated in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The high fertility of these regions is attributed to the alluvial deposits brought by rivers, making them suitable for multiple cropping patterns. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India has approximately 159.7 million hectares of arable land.

2.Non-Arable Land: Includes deserts, mountains, and urban areas. The Thar Desert in Rajasthan is an example of arid land with sparse vegetation. The Western Ghats and Himalayas, although non-arable, are rich in biodiversity and provide critical ecosystem services such as water regulation and climate modulation. Coastal regions, while not typically arable, support activities like fishing, tourism, and salt production. Non-arable land also includes approximately 12% of India’s land area that is classified as wasteland.