SEE Social Studies Notes (Unit 1: Development)

Unit 1: Development

1. Why is Bagmati Province more developed than other provinces? Give four major reasons.

Ans. Bagmati Province is more developed than other provinces because of the following reasons:

a) Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, is located in this province. Most central offices, ministries and national institutions are here.

b) Means of transport and communication are well developed. Tribhuvan International Airport, the busiest airport of Nepal, is located here.

c) It is the main centre of higher education, health services, banking, industry and employment opportunities.

d) It has the largest population of all provinces (about 6.1 million) and three of Nepal’s six metropolitan cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bharatpur.

e) It has many tourist attractions such as the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley and Chitwan National Park.

2. Gandaki Province has great prospect for tourism. Justify this statement.

Ans. Gandaki Province has great prospect for tourism because of the following reasons:

a) It is full of natural beauty. There are beautiful lakes like Phewa, Begnas, Rupa and Tilicho, mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu, and the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world.

b) There are important religious and historical places like Muktinath, Manakamana, Gorkha Durbar and Bandipur.

c) There are many places for trekking and hiking, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Annapurna Circuit, Mustang and the Manaslu region.

d) Pokhara, the provincial capital, is linked with Kathmandu and other parts of the country by roads and by Pokhara International Airport (opened in 2023).

e) There are good facilities of hotels, lodges and adventure sports like paragliding, boating and ultralight flights.

3. Why is there low density of population in Karnali Province?

Ans. Karnali Province is the largest province by area but has the smallest population (about 1.69 million) and the lowest density (about 60 people per sq. km). The reasons are:

a) Unfavourable climate:

The climate is very cold and dry in the northern part, which results in poor agricultural yield.

b) Difficult land topography:

Due to high mountains and steep hills, the development of infrastructure and economic activities has been difficult. So, many areas are still remote.

c) Lack of fertile soil and rainfall:

Most people depend on agriculture, but the soil is less fertile and the region receives low rainfall. So, food production is not sufficient and people often face food shortage.

d) Lack of infrastructure:

Due to lack of roads, communication, electricity and other infrastructure, industries have not developed. The province also lacks skilled manpower and is backward in education.

4. Prepare a short economic report of Sudurpashchim Province representing all three geographical belts.

Ans. Sudurpashchim Province has all three geographical belts. Its economic activities are given below:

a) Terai region (Kailali and Kanchanpur):

Agriculture is the main occupation. People grow paddy, wheat, maize, sugarcane and vegetables because the land is plain and fertile. Trade and industries are growing in cities like Dhangadhi and Bhimdatta (Mahendranagar).

b) Hilly region (Doti, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Achham):

People grow maize, millet, wheat, potato and fruits and rear cattle and goats. Many people go to India and other countries for seasonal work, and remittance supports their families.

c) Mountain region (Bajhang, Bajura, Darchula):

Most people depend on animal husbandry, rearing sheep, goats and yaks. They also collect medicinal herbs like yarsagumba and are engaged in trade and tourism. They grow buckwheat, barley and potato.

5. Introduction on physical environment of Sudurpashchim Province

a) Topography:

High mountains like Api and Saipal lie to the north. Hills and valleys lie in the middle, whereas low plain land lies to the south.

b) Climate:

There is extreme cold weather and low rainfall in the mountains, warm temperate climate in the hills and hot, humid climate with plenty of rainfall in the Terai.

c) Vegetation:

Coniferous forests are found in the mountains because of cold weather, mixed and deciduous forests in the hills due to mild climate, and tropical evergreen and deciduous forests (like sal) in the Terai because of high rainfall and humidity.

6. Karnali Province is the most remote and backward province. There is no good road to reach many parts of the province. In order to solve its problems, what plans and programmes would you propose? Write in brief.

Ans. Karnali Province is the largest but one of the least developed provinces of Nepal. The following measures can be taken for its development:

a) Extension of education:

Illiteracy, superstition and poverty are the greatest challenges of this province. Education should be developed first and foremost to tackle these challenges.

b) Careful planning of tourism:

With proper conservation of natural and cultural heritage such as Rara Lake and Shey Phoksundo, tourism should be developed and extended carefully.

c) Establishment of industries based on local resources:

This province is very backward in industries. Industries based on local resources like herbs, fruits and wool should be established.

d) Organized cultivation of fruits like apple and food crops:

Areas like Jumla are famous for apples and other crops. Government subsidies, skill development, roads, markets and storage facilities are essential there.

e) Development of roads and hydropower:

Roads like the Karnali Highway should be upgraded, and the hydropower potential of the Karnali River should be used to supply electricity and create jobs.

7. Major cause of the incompleteness or failure of projects

a) Widespread Corruption:

Corruption is the major social problem and there are several financial irregularities as well.

b) Political Instability:

There exist political instability, frequent change in plans and policies, insecurity and poor co-operation by the local people.

c) Poor Economy:

Nepal is a poor country and there is lack of means, resources, technology and skilled human resource.

d) Depends on Donor:

Nepal largely depends on donors for large projects but donors hesitate to invest in Nepal due to political instability and insecurity.

8. What is skilled human resource? Give two differences between short-term and long-term human resources.

Ans. A skilled human resource is a person who has the knowledge and training to do a particular job well and without wasting time or materials. Doctors, engineers, mechanics, carpenters and computer operators are good examples.

The two types differ in the following ways:

S.N	Short term human resource	S.N	Long term human resource
a)	It is developed through short courses or training to meet a need that must be filled quickly.	a)	It is developed through many years of study to meet the needs of the country far into the future.
b)	Examples: training in beekeeping, silk farming, tailoring or plumbing.	b)	Examples: doctors, engineers and scientists trained through higher education in science and technology.