Natural Resource Conservation and Management

Paper Code: 
24GENV201
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course objectives:

This course will enable the students to -

  1. Learn ecological principles, policies, and practices required for natural resources management and conservation
  2. Promote the conservation and protection of natural resources and guide the acceptable use of resources
  3. Lay emphasis on equitable and efficient distribution of natural resources and its management for sustainable development

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Course Outcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment    Strategies

Course

Code

Course Title

24GENV   201

Natural Resource Conservation and Management

CO1: Illustrate a comprehensive understanding of natural resources, analyze the impacts of human activities and propose strategies to promote sustainability.

CO2: Identify different types of land and mineral resources, analyze the consequences of their overexploitation, and apply sustainable management practices to mitigate their degradation.

CO3: Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water management practices, water stress and different types of water resources.

CO4: Develop an objective view of the nature of         Earth’s resources, particularly the energy resources

CO5: Critically evaluate the vital role of biodiversity and assess the adverse effects of human actions on ecosystems.

CO6: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

Approach in teaching: Model/Poster making Group discussions Lectures

Slide Presentations

 

Learning activities

for the students: Multiple choice question preparation,

Field activities Simulation, Case studies

PowerPoint Presentation, Open Book Test, Map preparation, Class Test Semester End Examination

 

7.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Natural Resources
  • Classification-Based on Chemical nature, Availability/Abundance, Occurrence, Origin, Utility
  • Natural resources and associated problems (Population explosion, urbanization industrialization)
  • Sustainable Development- Concept and Basic Aspects

 

15.00
Unit II: 
Land and Mineral Resources

Land Resources:

  • Soil Profile, Soil degradation and its conservation
  • Forest types, causes of forest degradation and conservation  methods

Mineral Resources

  • Types and uses of mineral resources
  • Mining: Definition, types and environmental impacts

 

11.00
Unit III: 
Water Resources
  • Sources of Surface water (Fresh and Marine) and Groundwater (Connate Water,  Juvenile Water and Meteoric Water)
  • Concept of Confined, unconfined and Perched aquifers
  • Causes of water stress: population expansion, urbanization, industrialization, overutilization, pollution
  • Methods of Water conservation: Watershed management, Rainwater harvesting (Urban and Traditional methods)

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Energy resources
  • Classification of energy resources: Conventional and Non-conventional
  • Fossil fuels: classification, physicochemical characteristics advantages and disadvantages of coal, petroleum and natural gas
  • Basic principles of generation of Hydroelectric power, Ocean thermal energy conversion, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, solar energy

 

15.00
Unit V: 
Biotic resources
  • Types (Genetic, Species and Ecosystem Diversity (α, β and γ)), importance of Biodiversity
  • Threats to biodiversity
  • Concept of Hotspots and Hope Spots in India
  • Strategies of biodiversity conservation: in-situ and ex-situ conservation
  • National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves in India

 

Essential Readings: 

ESSENTIAL READINGS

  • Mishra, S. P. and Pandey, S. N. (2018). Essential Environmental Studies. Ane books
  • Siddhartha, K. (2017). Indian The Physical Aspects. K’Sagar Publications, Pune, Maharashtra.
  • Miller, T.G. (2012). Environmental Science. Wadsworth Publishing Co.
  • Sharma, P. D. (2017). Ecology and Environment. Rastogi Publications.
  • Sawhney, G. S. (2012). Non-Conventional Energy Resources. PHI Learning Private Limited, New Delhi.
  • Singh, J.S., Singh, S.P. and Gupta, S.R. (2017). Ecology, Environmental Science and Conservation. S. Chand Publishing, New Delhi.

            SUGGESTED READINGS

  • Ginley, D.S. and Cahen, D. (2011). Fundamentals of Materials for Energy and Environmental Sustainability. Cambridge University Press.
  • Klee, G.A. (1991). Conservation of Natural Resources. Prentice Hall Publication.
  • Miller, T.G. (2012). Environmental Science. Wadsworth Publishing Co.
  • Ramade, F. (1984). Ecology of Natural Resources. John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
  • Tiwari, G.N. and Ghosal. M. K. (2005). Renewable Energy Resources: Basic Principles and Application. Narosa Publishing House.
  • Bansil, P.C. (2004). Water Management in India. Concept Publishing Company, India.
  • CEA. (2011). Water Resources and Power Maps of India. Central Board of Irrigation and Power.
  • Dwivedi, R. M. (2011). Energy Sources and Policies in India. New Century Publications.
  • Schward and Zhang, (2003). Fundamentals of Groundwater. John Willey and Sons.
  • Vickers, A. (2001). Handbook of Water Use and Conservation. WaterPlow Press.

            e- RESOURCES

            JOURNALS

  • Natural Resources Research
  • Environment and Natural Resources Journal
  • Journal of Natural Resources
  • Journal of Natural Resources and Development
  • Society and Natural Resources Journal
Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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