Chhattisgarh: Natural Resources

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Natural resources are the product or material that occurs in nature and which are very useful from the perspective of human use.

Examples of natural resources:

  1. Water
  2. Minerals
  • Forests

Now, we will discuss the natural resources of Chhattisgarh one by one.

 

Water

80% of Chhattisgarh population relies on agriculture for subsistence, water is vital. After considering the reservation of 8,700 Mcum downstream, State uses under various inter-state agreements, the available surface water is 51,200 Mcum. Further, after considering the annual practicability, the State can utilize approximately 41,720 Mcum. It includes long-term requirement of irrigation, drinking water, industrial use etc.
In addition to surface water, there is dynamic ground water resources and its potential has been estimated as 13,678 Mcum.
Under the Asian Development assisted Chhattisgarh Irrigation Development Project, it is proposed to promote sustainability of irrigated agriculture and improve water resources management by rehabilitation and upgrades of minor scheme diversification and field improvement.

 

At present, the storage constitutes about 7,810 Mcum. it to proposed to raise it to 16,200 Mcum by 2020. A plan for construction of 595 anicuts across various rivers of the State, estimated to cost Rs. 1,657 crores, has also been prepared.

 

These schemes will enhance the ground water potential.

 

Minerals

Chhattisgarh is at the top most states in India in terms of Minerals.

State is endowed with rich mineral resources. From Iron ore to coal and other metallic and non-metallic resources. Below are the minerals in which Chhattisgarh is among the topmost state in India:

  1. Iron Ore
  2. ) Bauxite.

 

Forest
Forests Slightly less than half of the geographical area of Chhattisgarh is covered by forests. They are rich in bio-diversity. Timber contributes about 40 percent of the total forest revenue. Rest comes from NWFP (Non Wood Forest Products).

 

The state has three national parks

  1. Guru Ghasidas National Park in Koriya,
  2. Sarguja, Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar and
  • Indrawati National park in Dantewara.

There are 11 wildlife sanctuaries.

Nearly 10,000 industrial units depend on forests for their raw material base.

 

  • The state is rich in NWFP like Tendu Leaves, Harra, Sal Seed, Gum, Mahua, Amla, Achar, Lac, Chironji and innumerable medicnial plants.

 

  • The state has potential to host a number of Herbal, Medicinal, Aromatic plant based units. • The state has a potential of Rs. 500 Crore in NWFP trade.