Environmental Geography

- Shifting cultivation (i) leads to deforestation and soil degradation, making it unfit for agriculture over time. This results in wastelands that cannot be used for sustainable farming.
- Coastal plains (ii) are fertile and do not typically result in wastelands from human activity. So, option (A) is incorrect.
- Degraded pastures (iii) are areas where overgrazing or poor land management leads to soil erosion, making the land unfit for agriculture.
Thus, (iii) is part of the correct answer.
- Bhabar areas (iv) are alluvial deposits found near the foothills of the Himalayas and are not typically rendered unfit for agriculture due to human activities. Therefore, option (B) is incorrect.
Thus, the correct answer is (D) Both i and iii.

Human beings have always depended on nature for survival. From the very beginning of human history, people have utilized natural resources such as plants, animals, water, and minerals to meet basic needs. In the agricultural age, the domestication of animals and cultivation of crops allowed societies to thrive. Similarly, in the industrial era, the extraction of raw materials like coal, oil, and iron played a key role in economic growth and technological advancements. In modern times, humans continue to harness nature's resources for energy (such as wind, solar, and fossil fuels), agriculture, construction, and even entertainment. However, with the increasing human population and technological development, the pressure on natural resources has grown exponentially. Overutilization, pollution, and environmental degradation have become serious concerns. The statement highlights the fact that human progress is deeply intertwined with the use of nature's resources. However, this dependence also creates challenges. There is a need to ensure that the exploitation of these resources is done in a sustainable manner, to allow for future generations to benefit from them. Steps such as sustainable resource management, renewable energy usage, and conservation practices are necessary to strike a balance between development and environmental protection.

The relationship between nature and human beings is highly interdependent and complex. Nature provides essential resources such as water, food, air, and minerals that support human life. This interconnection is also evident in how humans rely on nature for energy and raw materials to drive industrialization and technological advancements. However, human activities such as deforestation, industrial emissions, pollution, and land degradation have often had a negative impact on the environment. For example, the exploitation of natural resources has led to environmental degradation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. On the other hand, human ingenuity has also contributed to environmental restoration through efforts like afforestation, sustainable agriculture, and conservation programs.
Thus, nature and humans are not separate entities but are intricately linked, with human actions having both positive and negative consequences on the environment. The key challenge is finding a harmonious balance, where human needs can be met without causing irreversible damage to nature. It’s clear that the sustainability of the environment directly affects the survival and well-being of humans.