Page 70 - Social Studies 4

Uses:
a. Provides oxygen to all living beings
b. Provides timber and firewood
c. Provides herbs
d. Helps in bringing rainfall

Minerals
Minerals are substances found in the earth, which contain useful materials
in them. For example, some minerals contain metals in them. Minerals are
also important resources. Our country is rich in many mineral resources
such as limestone, magnesite, etc.

Uses:
Minerals are important for factories and industries. They are used for
producing many things for our use. For example, utensils, wires, cement,
rods, etc. are produced from minerals.

Situation of natural resources
The situation of all our natural resource is not very good. As a result of
wrong activities, the natural resources have been destroyed. Since our
population is rapidly increasing, we are using more and more resources.
Thus the quantity of natural resources is also reducing. Some of our

activities given below are destroying the natural resources.
a. Deforestation
b. Pollution
c. Excessive use of natural resources

Protection and conservation of natural resources
We should take some of the steps given below to protect and conserve
our natural resources.

a. Afforestation (planting trees)
b. Making dams (to control flood)

c. Stop polluting activities
d. Not to waste natural resources

66 Megha's Integrated Social Studies - 4