Status of Natural Resource in India

India is gifted with various types of natural Resources such as fertile soil, forests, minerals and water. These resources are unevenly distributed. The Indian continent covers a multitude of biotic and abiotic resource. As India has rapid population growth therefore there is overconsumption of resources, such as uncontrolled logging or overfishing and many valuable natural resources are rapidly being exhausted. India has huge watered fertile lands. In the sedimentary soil of the Northern Great Plains of the Sutlej-Ganga plains and Brahmaputra Valley wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, jute, cotton, rapeseed, mustard, sesame, linseed, are grown in plentiful. India’s land area includes regions with high rainfall to dry deserts, Coast line to Alpine regions.

India boasts a rich tapestry of natural greenery, thanks to its diverse topography and climate. The lush forests, primarily nestled in plateaus and mountainous regions, showcase a remarkable range of vegetation. These landscapes serve as homes to an incredible array of wildlife, with numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to their conservation.
Approximately 24.5 percent of India’s expansive geographical expanse is covered by forests, as per the 2019 Indian Forest Survey Report. Given the country’s dynamic weather patterns and varying altitudes, India hosts a spectrum of forest types, including tropical, swamps, mangrove, and alpine forests.
The variety of forest vegetation is vast and plays a crucial role in supporting various industries. Forests are not just scenic wonders but also vital sources of firewood, paper, spices, drugs, herbs, gums, and more. Their immense contribution extends to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underlining their economic significance.
India is also blessed with abundant marine and inland water resources, boasting an impressive 8,129 kilometers of coastline. Inland fisheries thrive in rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, with reports from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) estimating the presence of over 400 fish species in Indian rivers alone. Many of these species hold economic importance, contributing to the livelihoods of communities across the country.

Indian Oil Reserves

India boasts proven oil reserves of 4,728,790,000 barrels, ranking 24th globally. This makes up around 0.3% of the world’s total reserves.
The country’s oil and gas industry dates back to 1889, with the discovery of oil deposits in Digboi, Assam. Natural gas exploration began in the 1960s with findings in Assam and Maharashtra (Bombay High).
As of March 2018, India had estimated crude oil reserves of 594.49 million tonnes and natural gas reserves of 1339.57 billion cubic meters.
India imports 82% of its oil but aims to reduce this to 67% by 2022 through local exploration, renewable energy, and ethanol fuel.
In 2019, India was the second-largest net crude oil importer, bringing in 205.3 million tonnes. However, by March 2021, domestic crude oil production fell by 5.2%, and natural gas production dropped by 8.1%.
The Mumbai High complex in the western offshore regions contributes significantly to India’s natural gas production. Onshore fields in Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat are also key natural gas producers.
India possesses abundant mineral resources, including iron, coal, mineral oil, manganese, bauxite, chromite, copper, tungsten, gypsum, limestone, and mica.
Hills, mountains, and less fertile lands are utilized for livestock pasture, playing a crucial role in rural socio-economic development. Scientific methods are employed in cattle rearing, with a diverse range of animals like goats, sheep, poultry, cattle, and buffalo.
India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions enable the cultivation of various horticulture crops, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, medicinal plants, and mushrooms. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, and rubber thrive in different regions.
Coal, the primary energy source in India, is mainly obtained from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir.Natural gas is found in Tripura State, Krishna Godavari field, and gas associates in petroleum products.
Petroleum products in India are sourced from Digboi in Assam, around the Gulf of Khambat in Gujarat, and offshore in the Arabian Sea, spanning from Mumbai up to 100 miles.
India holds the fourth rank globally in iron ore production, contributing approximately 7% to the world’s total production. The country possesses around 2.6% of the world’s iron ore reserves.