Which one of the following is an exhaustible but renewable natural resource ?

Natural resources are classified into renewable and non-renewable categories. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or renewed over time through natural processes [3]. However, they can be further distinguished by their availability. Solar energy is considered an inexhaustible or continuous renewable resource because it is always available and unaffected by human consumption [2]. In contrast, resources like water in usable condition, soil, and forests are renewable but exhaustible; they maintain a flow only if the rate of consumption does not exceed the rate of replenishment [2]. If overused or misused, the available quantity of usable water can be limited or depleted [3]. Soil is also a renewable resource that can be exhausted through erosion or loss of fertility if not managed sustainably [1]. Among the options, water in usable condition best fits the definition of a resource that is naturally replenished but can be exhausted through over-exploitation.

Sources

1. [2] Understanding Economic Development. Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 1: DEVELOPMENT > Example 1: Groundwater in India > p. 14
2. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > ffiffi B.tffi ffiiNERSY > p. 287
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 7: Resources > NATURAL RESOURCES > p. 1