NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Resources and DevelopmentExplain the process of resource planning in India by highlighting its three major steps.

Resource planning is a complex and vital process aimed at the judicious and sustainable utilization of natural resources. In India, resource planning involves three major sequential steps:

1. Identification and Inventory of Resources: This initial step involves surveying, mapping, qualitative and quantitative estimation, and measurement of resources across different regions of the country.
2. Evolving a Planning Structure: This step requires creating an appropriate planning structure endowed with suitable technology, technical skills, and institutional set-ups to implement resource development plans efficiently.
3. Matching Resource Plans with National Development Plans: The final step involves integrating local and regional resource development plans with overall national development goals to ensure balanced economic growth. \nResource planning is essential in India because of the vast diversity in resource availability across regions, where some areas are resource-rich while others face severe shortages.