1. Introduction to Natural Resources
Ans:- A natural resource is something that is found in nature and can be used by people. Natural resources include land, climate, forest, water, mineral, etc. There are two types of natural resources. They are:
i) Renewable natural resources:- Renewable natural resources are those resources which can be renewed even after use. For example, water, forest, solar energy, etc.
ii) Non-renewable natural resources:- Non-renewable natural resources are those resources which can’t be renewed after once it is used. For example, coal, natural gas, natural oil, etc.
1. What do you mean by water resources? Explain the importance of water resources in Nepal.
Ans:- A water resource is the most important natural resources of Nepal. Nepal is the second richest country in the world on the basis of water. There are more than 6000 rivers in Nepal. The total length of rivers in Nepal is estimated to 45,000 Km. theoretically hydropower of Nepal is 83,000 Megawatt. But economically and technically only 44,000 Megawatt usable. It has several potentialities like hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, drinking water, water transport, etc. The measure rivers of Nepal are Gandaki, Koshi, Karnali, Mechi, Mahakali, Seti, Bheri, Rapti and Narayani.
# Importance of water resources in Nepal.
a) Development of agriculture sector:- Water resource is the basic of irrigation and irrigation is the life blood of agriculture. The development of irrigation and modernization of agriculture depends directly on water resources. Therefore, development of agriculture sector depends upon water resources.
b) Development of industrial sector:- A large amount of fuel is needed to generate power for industrial development. The generation of hydroelectricity can be a cheaper means of energy as compare to diesel and petrol. Therefore, generating adequate electricity from rivers of Nepal can developed industrial sector of Nepal.
c) Development of tourism:- Nepal is rich in rivers, lake, waterfalls and ponds. Tourist visit Nepal for rafting, boating, fishing. Water resources generate electricity which ultimately helps to develop transportation and communication. These are essential to develop tourism industry.
d) Development of transport and communication:- Energy generated from water resources can be used to run electric means of transportation such as trolley bus, cable car, ropeway, etc. Similarly, use of modern means of communication like Television, Radio, and Internet etc. is possible only with the generation of electricity.
e) Preservation of forest conservation:- The development of hydroelectricity substitute the firewood as fuel energy. The majority of rural people depend upon firewood to meet their energy needs. Therefore, large scale hydroelectricity production at minimum cost would have to replace the traditional use of firewood consumption.
f) Generating of employment opportunities:- Development of water resources create direct and indirect employment opportunities in many sector. Proper utilization of water resources helps to develop agriculture, industry and tourism sector which ultimately provides employment opportunities.
g) Source of foreign currency earning:- The development of hydroelectricity through water resources helps to develop industrial sector, which helps to increase the export volume of goods and services. Similarly, the generated electricity can be exported to earn foreign currency.
h) Household water requirement:- Development of water resources helps to provides pure drinking water which is the basic of healthy life.
2. Explain the potentiality of water resources in Nepal.
Ans:- Nepal is a very rich country in water resources. The water resources of Nepal has several potentiality like hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, drinking water, water transport and many more. However the major potential of water resources is hydroelectricity.
| S.N | River system | Theoretical potentiality(MW) | Techno-economic potentiality(MW) |
| i. | Koshi | 22,000 | 10,860 |
| ii. | Gandaki | 21,000 | 5,270 |
| iii. | Karnali & Mahakali | 36,000 | 27,360 |
| iv. | Other rivers | 4,000 | 880 |
| Total | 83,000 MW | 44,370 MW |
3. Discuss the current situation of hydroelectricity of Nepal.
Ans:- Nepal has huge water resources with high potentiality. The potentiality of hydroelectricity in Nepal is about 83,000 Megawatt, which is 2.27% of the total hydroelectricity of the world. However, only 44,370 Megawatt of the potential capacity is techno-economically viable.
It is explained below in the table:-
| Rivers basin | Theoretical potentiality | Techno- economic potentiality |
| Koshi | 22350 MW | 10860 MW |
| Gandaki | 20650 MW | 5270 MW |
| Karnali & Mahakali | 36000 MW | 27360 MW |
| Others Rivers | 4000 MW | 880 MW |
| 83,000 MW | 44370 MW |
By the end of fiscal year 2015/16, a total of 829.2 MW hydroelectricity has been generated from various hydropower projects which is less 1% of the total potentiality. Out of generated hydropower 824.7 MW was connected to national grid.
| Total installed capacity | |
| Hydroelectricity connected to National Grid | 824.7 MW |
| Hydroelectricity not connected to National Grid | 4.5 MW |
4. Describe the problem of water resources development in Nepal.
Ans:- The problems water resources development in Nepal are explained below:
i) Lack of capital:- A huge amount of capital is required to develop water resources. But the sufficient capital is not available in Nepal. Nepal has therefore unable to conduct the large hydroelectricity and irrigation projects.
ii) Lack of technology and technician:- Due to lack of capita, Nepal doesn’t have technology and technician manpower. For the purpose of new technology it also required huge capital which Nepal cannot afford.
iii) Lack of transport and communication:- Transportation and communication facilities are very important in order to conduct projects related to water resources. A most of the hydroelectricity project lies in hill region which means transportation and communication which difficult to reach their.
iv) Lack of market:- Market of water resources product is limited. One and only market is India but Indian policy is not favorable.
v) Defective government policy:- Government policy related to water resources is not appropriate and effective. Nepal government has open door policy for private investment but the policy and legal provisions are not clear.
5. What do you mean by forest resources? Explain the role, importance, direct and indirect benefits of forest resources in Nepal.
Ans:- Forest is one of the important natural resources of Nepal. Different types of forest are found in Nepal. Forest is the renewable natural resources. Hence, scientific management and utilization of resources can increase the pace of development of country.
Green forest is the wealth of Nepal. Forest is the free gift of nature to human beings. Forest is the very important resources of Nepal because it provides fuel, wood, herbs etc. We get raw materials for fuel, raw for furniture and paper etc.
# Role, important, direct and indirect benefits of forest resources in Nepal
i) Source of energy:- Forest is the main source of energy. It provides fuel, firewood to meet the daily necessity of people. About 86% of the total energy consumption is supplied by the forest resources.
ii) Source of raw material:- It provides raw material for forest based industries like paper, medicine, plastic, furniture etc. Therefore, a forest resource is the source of raw materials required for various industries in Nepal.
iii) Basic of preserving natural eco-system:- Forest is the source of oxygen. Survival of living things is impossible without forest. Forest resources help in environment protection and ecological balance.
iv) Source of water:- Forest helps to maintain constant flow of water in rivers, cannels and tabs. Forest helps to maintain constant flow of drinking water.
v) Control of soil erosion and landslide:- Forest helps to control flood, landslide and soil erosion. Therefore, forest is regarded as the natural protection against flood, landslide and soil erosion. The fertility of land declines in the absence of the control of soil erosion.
vi) Promotion of tourism development:- Forest enhances the natural beauty. The rare wild animals and birds get shelter in the forest which is the source of tourist attraction in various wild life conservation of Nepal.
vii) Sources of public revenue:- It is one of the main source of public revenue in Nepal. It provides both tax and non- tax revenue by selling the forest product like timber, herbs etc.
6. What are the causes of rapid deforestation in Nepal? Explain.
Ans:- The causes of deforestation in Nepal are explained below:
i) High population growth rate:- Due to high growth of population, the dependency on forest is increasing for every sector. With the increase in population, the demand for energy consumption, demand for houses also increases which is one of the cause of deforestation.
ii) Migration:- Due to low productivity of agriculture and lack of employment opportunities in Hill areas, people migrate to the Terai area. The tendency of such migrated people is to live nearby forest area because of the availability of their daily needs from forest without cost, which is the cause of deforestation.
iii) Uneducated people:- Lack of awareness and uneducated people, they cut down trees without worry of future. People are unaware of the problems of landslide, soil erosion, lack of rainfall etc.
iv) Lack of employment opportunities:- About 66% of the total population are engaged in agriculture where seasonal unemployment and disguised unemployment are the main problem, today. Due to lack of alternative employment opportunity except agriculture, they use forest resources as a source of extra income.
v) Demand for raw materials:- The forest based industries are increasing in Nepal. Thus, there is increase in demand for raw materials for forest based industries like paper, furniture etc. As a result deforestation is increasing in Nepal.
vi) Defective government policy:- The government policy regarding preservation and development of forest is defective because it changes frequently with the change in government and becomes less effective.
vii) Supply of construction materials:- The wood and timber is essential for the construction of house, bridge, industries and furniture. In rural area, forest areas are destroyed to meet the need of agriculture tools, which is the causes deforestation.
7. Explain the consequence of deforestation in Nepal.
Ans:- The consequences of deforestation in Nepal are explained below:
i) Environment degradation:- Deforestation causes calamities changes and irregular rainfall. Irregular rainfall causes flood, soil erosion, landslide etc. which damages the environment.
ii) Natural calamities: – Deforestation leads to flood, landslide, deficiency of rainfall and various diseases. Deforestation creates the situation of natural calamities.
iii) Effect on tourism:- Deforestation destroyed the natural beauty and climate of the country. Similarly, it destroyed rare wild animals and birds. As a result tourism industry will adversely affect.
iv) Effects on industries:- Deforestation has negative effect on industries. It causes reduction in the supply of raw materials for forest based industries like paper, medicine, furniture etc. it will also have adverse effect on employment and public revenue.
v) Shortage of construction materials:- Various construction materials in Nepal are based on the timber obtain from forest. Due to deforestation people are facing the problem of construction of house, bridge, factories etc.
vi) Decrease in live- stock rearing:- Livestock is also based on forest resources. Deforestation directly affects the livestock rearing because there will be lack of food required for livestock due to deforestation.
vii) Disappearance of rare animals and plants:- Forest is the home for animals, birds and plants. Deforestation leads to disappearance of such rare animals like elephant, tiger, and rhino etc. which have adverse effect on tourism industries.
8. What do you mean by mineral resources?
Ans:- Mineral resource is one of the important natural resources. It is the hidden natural resources which directly connect on money worth. It can be found on the underground part of earth, basically gold, silver, petrol, copper etc. are the same of the examples of mineral resources. The expected mineral resources deposited in various part of Nepal are iron ore, copper, limestone, lead, coal, petroleum, gold, natural gas, zinc, magnetize etc.
9. Explain current position and potentiality of mineral resources in Nepal.
Ans:- It is believed that Nepal is rich in mineral resources. Preliminary survey reveal that there are verities of mineral ores, natural gas, coal etc. are deposited various parts of Nepal. Based on various geological surveys, places of mineral deposits in Nepal are shown below:
| S.N | Mineral resources | Available place | Potentiality |
| 1 | Iron | Phulchoki, Ramechap, Bajhang, Pharping, Kulekhani | 10 Million tons |
| 2 | Copper | Bandipur, Chittang, Makwanpur, Rukum, Baglung, Myagdi | 4 Million tons |
| 3 | Mica | Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Bajhang, Doti, Rasuwa, Lamjung | _ |
| 4 | Limestone | Godawari, Bhaisedovan, Chovar, Surkheth, Arghakhanchi | 1.7 Billion tons |
| 5 | Coal | Dang, Kathmandu valley, Mustang, Chitwan, Baglung | 5 Million tons |
| 6 | Magnetize | Dolkhal, Udaypur | 180 Million tons |
| 7 | Petroleum & Natural gas | Kathmandu(Teku), Muktinath, Dang, Dailekh | 316 Million cube meter |
Source:- Economic survey 2012
10. What are the role or importance of mineral resources in Nepal.
Ans:- The role or importance of mineral resources are explained below:
i) Development of industries:- Mineral resources have important role in the development of industries. The heavy machinery and equipment needed for industries are made from mineral resources. Therefore, a mineral resource is important for industries development.
ii) Source of energy:- The mineral resources such as petrol, gas coal etc. are the major source of energy. Optimum utilization of mineral resources can be used to meet growing energy demand.
iii) Source of employment:- The existence of mineral resources and their proper utilization provides employment opportunities to the people. The mineral resources provide direct as well as indirect employment opportunities.
iv) Provides employment opportunities:- Most of the people in Nepal are engaged in agriculture occupation. If there is development of mineral resources, it requires more employment and reduces the unemployment in the country.
v) Modernization of agriculture:- Establishment of mine based industries assists to produce modern agricultural tools, manure and other fertilizers. Such type of modern fertilizers can be used for the large scale production of different types of food crops cash crops, vegetables, fruits etc.
vi) Source of foreign currency earning:- Nepal can earn large amount of currency by exporting its minerals, if it could extract large quantities of copper, marbles, iron ore etc.
vii) Development of transport, communication and electricity:- Development of transport and electricity need heavy equipment’s which are the outcomes of mineral resources.
viii) Source of public revenue:- Optimum utilization of mineral resources helps to establish large scale industries. Nepal has greater scope of cement, zinc, coal, etc. The government can imposed different type of taxes and other duties on such products which are the major source of public revenue.
11. What are the problems of mineral resources utilization in Nepal?
Ans:- The problem in mineral resources utilization are explained below:
i) Lack of advance technology:- The optimum utilization of mineral resources requires advance technology, modern equipment and efficient technician. But the availability highly skilled and experienced technicians are not adequate. Due to this the development of mineral resources is not possible.
ii) Lack of capital:- A huge amount of capital is required to develop the mineral resources. But Nepalese people are poor and the rate of capital formation is very low. So Nepalese people do not have sufficient capital to invest.
iii) Lack of infrastructure:- Transportation and communication are essential infrastructure for the development of a country. But such facilities are not available in Hilly and Himalayan region, a place where mineral are deposit.
iv) Defective government policy:- There should be appropriate and adequate mineral policy that covers various types of mineral resources development including exploration, exploitation, processing, research and development. But there is no any appropriate mineral policy in Nepal.
v) Lack of in-depth geological survey:- The most important aspect of mineral resources exploration is in-depth geological survey. In other country, except few preliminary geological surveys, adequate surveys have not been undertaken so far.
vi) Shortage of energy:- The sources like coal, petrol, diesel etc. are the pre- requisites for the extraction, purification and utilization of mineral resources. However, the supply of energy is still inadequate in Nepal.
12. Concept of Natural Resource Management
Ans:- Natural resources are material that occurs naturally such as timber, coal, water, air, fish, animals and land. Natural resource management is an interdisciplinary field of study that considers physical, biological, economic and social aspects of handling natural resources. It involves putting resources to their best use for human purpose in addition to preserving natural system.
13. What are the main causes of environmental pollution?
Ans:- The main causes of environment pollution are explained below:
i) Lack of capital:- We need adequate capital to manage the existing natural resource. Due to lack of adequate capital for investment for utilization of natural resources, these natural resources are still unknown to common people and their use in commercial scale is yet to be started.
ii) High population growth rate:- High population is the natural resource management. The increase in population will increase the pressure on natural resources, which is one of the major causes of environmental pollution.
iii) Deforestation:- Deforestation is another problem of natural resource management. The high growth of population leads to migration, maximum use of firewood as fuel for cooking etc. causes deforestation. This creates the problem of natural resource management.
iv) Use of chemical fertilizers:- Nowadays, most of the farmers of Nepal using chemical fertilizer in order to increase agricultural products in unscientific way. Consequently many animals and plants are being affected negatively resulting problems in natural resource management.
v) Establishment of industry:- Establishment of industry is also responsible in environmental degradation. There is no any provision for the control of population due to lack of clear policy.
vi) Increasing numbers of vehicles:- The number of vehicles is increasing day by day in urban areas of Nepal. But road condition is not good to face the pressure of increasing number of vehicles furthermore; the traffic system is also not scientific. As a result, air pollution is high in urban area.
14. Explain the consequences of environmental pollution.
Ans:- The consequences of environment pollution are as follow:
i) Soil degradation:- The environmental pollution leads to soil degradation which reduces the productivity of agriculture sector. Due to this, the total production of main crop is decreasing day by day.
ii) Water pollution and scarcity:- When there is environment pollution then consequently water gets polluted. This rises the problem of water born disease such as typhoid, diarrhea.
iii) Air pollution:- The use of energy, smoke from vehicles and industries are causing air pollution. This creates breathing related disease such as hypertension, asthma etc.
iv) Loss of bio- diversity:- The environmental degradation reduces bio- diversity. It reduces the adaptability of eco- system and loss of genetic resources. Loss of bio-diversity leads to ultimate destruction of the environment and it’s capacity to sustain life.
v) Atmospheric changes:- The over production of carbon monoxide is the causes of depletion of ozone layer. It increases the problem of global warming. The forest, agriculture and the whole eco-system are affected by atmospheric changes.
vi) Natural calamities:- Rapid deforestation leads to uneven rainfall which results in flood, landslide and various disease.
vii) Adverse effect in tourism industry:- When environment will be polluted, no any tourist will be attracted to visit Nepal. This will be due to unhealthy environment. So environmental pollution will adversely affect the tourism industries.
15 . Remedial Measures to Correct Environment Pollution
16. Problems of Natural Resource Management