Question

The first stage of resource planning is _____________.
A. Surveying
B. Evaluation
C. Assessing
D. Estimating

Answer 1

Hint: Globally as well as in India, some areas are self-sufficient in resources while others are deficient in resources. Resources are thus distributed unevenly which results in the need for resource planning. Especially with non-renewable resources which take millions of years to replenish, they have to be used sustainably. Thus, for a country like India, it is crucial that there is judicious use of resources.

Complete answer:
Option A: is correct. The first step of resource planning involves identification of inventory of resources throughout the country. This could include many methods conducted in various stages and surveying is one of them. Others are mapping and estimation based on the survey.
Option B: is incorrect. Evaluation could be a later stage in the process of resource planning after the surveying and mapping have been conducted.
Option C: is incorrect as assessing is also a later stage of resource planning to assess the scale at which the resource planning has to be done and evolving a planning structure based on such assessment.
Option D: is incorrect. Although estimating is one of the early stages, it can only be done after conducting a survey to figure out a rough estimate of the plan structure.
Hence, the correct option is ‘A. Surveying’.

Note: Resource planning is required at all levels from local to global and it only has sufficient impact when accompanied by appropriate technological development and institutional changes. Resource planning in India is of vital importance and has been included in developmental strategies since the First Five-Year Plan. Moreover, resource planning should also encompass conservation and remedies against over utilisation.