Notes Class 8 Chapter 6 Geography Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Geography Class 8

Land Use

Introduction to Land Use

• Land use refers to the way or purpose for which land in a region is used.
• The interaction between geographical factors (like soil, climate, and topography) and human needs determines the type of land use.
• Land use has changed over time due to increasing human needs and technological advancements.
• Examples:
  • Mineral-rich land → Used for mining
  • Fertile plains → Used for agriculture

Types of Land Use

Land use is classified into two major types:

1. Rural Land Use

• In rural areas, agriculture is the main occupation.
• Agro-based activities like dairy farming, fishing, and forestry are common.
• Rural settlements are located near agricultural fields, forest areas, mining areas, or near the sea for fishing.
• Rural land use is further classified into:

(a) Arable Land

• Land under cultivation for growing crops.
• Mostly under individual ownership.
• Types of agriculture and ownership determine the use of arable land.

(b) Fallow Land

• Agricultural land left uncultivated temporarily to improve soil fertility.
• Left unused for one or two seasons.

(c) Forest Land

• Demarcated areas covered with trees, bushes, and grass.
• Forest products like firewood, gum, and grass are collected.

(d) Grassland/Pastureland

• Land used for grazing cattle and livestock.
• Mostly owned by village panchayat or government.
• Very little grassland is under private ownership.

2. Urban Land Use

• Urban areas have limited land with dense population distribution.
• Urban land use is classified into:

(a) Commercial Land Use

• Parts of cities reserved for shops, offices, banks, and markets.
• Example: Fort Area and BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex) in Mumbai.

(b) Residential Land Use

• Used for houses and residential buildings.
• High population density increases the demand for residential areas.

(c) Transport Land Use

• Land used for transportation facilities like roads, railways, metro, and airports.
• Includes bus stops, petrol pumps, transport depots, and repair centers.

(d) Public Utility Area

• Land used for providing public services.
• Examples: Hospitals, post offices, police stations, schools, and universities.
• These services reduce the stress caused by high population density.

(e) Recreational Land Use

• Land used for entertainment and relaxation.
• Examples: Parks, gardens, sports fields, swimming pools, and theatres.

(f) Mixed Land Use

• Land where residential, commercial, and entertainment activities are combined.
• Example: A residential area with nearby shops and restaurants.

Transitional Areas and Suburbs

• Rural settlements start outside the boundaries of urban settlements.
• The intermediate area between rural and urban settlements is called a transitional area.
• These areas have mixed land use with both rural and urban characteristics.
• Over time, transitional areas are converted into suburbs.
• Example: Bandra and Bhandup in Mumbai are suburbs.

Planned Cities

• After the Industrial Revolution, rapid urbanisation led to unplanned city growth.
• To avoid problems like overcrowding, planned cities were developed.
• Planned cities have pre-determined land use patterns for residential, commercial, and public utility areas.
• Examples of planned cities:
  • Singapore, Seoul (South Korea), Zurich (Switzerland), Washington D.C. (USA), Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar (India)

Ownership of Land and Ownership Rights

Land ownership can be private or public.

• Land registration is done by the Revenue Department of the government.
• Information about registered land is available in two types of records:

1.  7/12 Extract

• A document maintained by the Revenue Department for agricultural land.
• Combines information from Village Form No. 7 and Village Form No. 12.
• Details included:
  • Ownership of the land
  • Status of debts and loans
  • Transfer of ownership
  • Crops grown on the land
• Occupant Class 1 – Land inherited through generations (ancestral property).
• Occupant Class 2 – Land allotted by the government to landless farmers (transfer requires collector’s permission).

2.  Property Card

• A document showing ownership rights for non-agricultural land.
• Information included:
  • City survey number and plot number
  • Tax amount and assessed area
  • Right to access the property

Factors Affecting Land Use

1. Geographical Factors – Soil type, topography, and climate.
2. Economic Factors – Industrial development and commercial activities.
3. Social Factors – Population density and cultural practices.
4. Political Factors – Government policies and urban planning.

Land Use Patterns in Different Countries

• Japan – Higher percentage of land under forest cover.
• India – Higher percentage of land under agriculture.
• Differences in land use patterns are influenced by:
  • Physiography (landforms)
  • Climate
  • Population density
  • Economic activities

Advantages of Proper Land Use

• Efficient use of available resources
• Balanced urban and rural development
• Better infrastructure and facilities
• Sustainable environmental practices