Even though water is a renewable resource, but its overuse and pollution makes it unfit for use. We discharge untreated sewage or agricultural chemicals or industrial wastes in water bodies which pollute the water infusing nitrates, pesticides or metals in it. Thus, the availability of fresh or drinking water decreases.

Soil is considered as an important resource because:
(i) It is one of the most important resources for agricultural development and storehouse of different types of minerals.
(ii) It provides habitat for all biotic phenomena.
(iii) It helps in penetration of water to ground water table.

(i) The term CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
(ii) It is an agreement between governments. It aims to ensure that international trade in species of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
(iii) In total, 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants are protected. Bears, Dolphins, Cacti, Corals, Orchids, etc. are some of the examples of protected species.

(i) Fresh water is the most important substance on the earth. It can neither be added nor subtracted.
(ii) Its total volume remains constant but its abundance varies from place to place.
(iii) This is because it is in constant motion, cycling through the oceans, the air and the land and back again, through the process of evaporation, precipitation and condensation. The cyclic movement of water between the spheres of biosphere, i.e., lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere is termed as water cycle.

The main reasons for the water problems are:
(i) Urbanization.
(ii) Industrialization.
(iii) Unplanned agriculture.
(iv) Increasing population.
(v) Electricity generation.
(vi) Domestic misuse of water.

The measures to stop soil erosion are:
(i) Terrace farming: In this type of farming, terraces are made on steep slopes to grow crops.
(ii) Shelter belts : In an open or farm land, we make shelter of trees along the side of farm land or an open land.
(iii) Contour ploughing: It means ploughing along the contours over a hill.

There are many physical factors that influence the land use pattern of a country or a region. These are:
(i) Topography of the place, soil, climate, availability of water and mineral resources. All of them determine the possible use of land.
(ii) Mineral rich regions are favourable for mining purposes.
(iii) Fertile land is used for agricultural purposes.

Thefactors which are responsible for landslide are:
(i) earthquake
(ii) floods
(iii) volcanoes
(iv) human factors and so on.

Landslide is the mass movement of rock, debris or Earth down a slope. They often take place in conjunction with earthquakes, volcanoes and so on.

The given passage is about natural disaster or calamity, i.e. landslide.

Protected forests too are not completely safe for wild animals because poachers have found access in these areas and are killing animals. There is a need to make stricter rules against poaching and tresspassing.

We should conserve biodiversity because it is very important for all living organisms and for the environment. We should conserve biodiversity to save it from becoming extinct.

Three ways to conserve water are as follows:
(a) The contaminated water should be treated before releasing it into water bodies.
(b) Rainwater harvesting is a useful method of collecting water while it rains, so that it may come to use in the future. And also it prevents surface run-off and saves water.
(c) Wastage pf water should be checked at home and schools. Waste water of kitchen and washing can be used in garden and toilets.

The two steps that government has taken to conserve plants and animals are as follows:
(a) The government has taken some good steps in order to conserve plants and animals which include establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves in different parts of India.
(b) Awareness programmes like social forestry and Vanamahotasava are encouraged at the regional and community levels.

(i) Name the countries having the highest percentage of land under cropland, forest, pasture and other uses.
Cropland ⟶ India (57%)
Forest ⟶ Japan (67%)
Pasture ⟶ Australia (56%)
Other uses ⟶ Canada (52%)
(ii) How would you relate the land use patterns of these countries with the probable economic activities?
The land use patterns of these countries with the probable economic activities are
(1) Indian economy is mainly based on agriculture, so it uses land maximum for agricultural output.
(2) Japan is well advanced in technology, so it uses its technology in conserving and afforestation of forest cover in the country.
(3) The economic activity of Australia is mainly related to cattle rearing and it covers 56% of area under pasture land.
(4) Paper and pulp industry is very common in Canada as its maximum land is covered mainly with coniferous forests.