Nature has the amazing ability to restore and regenerate itself. Forests grow back, rivers clean themselves and the soil replenishes nutrients. However, human actions have disrupted these natural cycles severely.

1. Deforestation: Cutting down trees for urban expansion, roads, or industries prevents forests from regenerating. It leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and disturbed rainfall patterns.
2. Overfishing: In oceans, fish populations like tuna have declined due to overfishing. When fish are caught faster than they can reproduce, the species suffers and food chains collapse.
3. Industrial Pollution: Factories release toxic waste into rivers and air. Rivers lose their ability to clean themselves. Polluted water harms aquatic life and human health.
4. Overuse of groundwater: Farmers using borewells extract more water than the earth can refill. In states like Punjab, this has led to water scarcity and falling water tables.

To restore ecological balance, we can:

• Plant trees and protect forests.
• Set fishing limits and protect breeding seasons.
• Treat industrial waste before releasing it.
• Use rainwater harvesting and recharge groundwater.
• Educate communities on sustainable lifestyles.

Human beings must act as stewards of Nature, not just consumers. Only then can we ensure that natural systems recover and continue to support life.

For more NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use Extra Questions & Answer:

https://www.tiwariacademy.com/ncert-solutions/class-8/social-science/