The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Land resources are broadly classified based on ownership into two categories: Private Land and Common Property Resources (CPRs). This classification distinguishes between resources owned by individuals and those held by the community for public use.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Common Property Resources (CPRs) do not refer to land owned by private individuals. Private land is owned by individuals for personal use and benefit. In contrast, CPRs are resources accessible to all members of a community, such as village pastures, community forests, and water bodies.
Statement 2 is Correct:
Community lands are indeed known as Common Property Resources. They provide collective benefits to the community, such as fodder for livestock, fuel for households, and other minor forest produce. In rural areas, these lands are crucial for the livelihood of landless and marginal farmers.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
While encroachment on CPRs is a significant issue, the purpose of encroachment varies by region. In rural areas, encroachment is often driven by the desire to expand agricultural land. However, in urban areas, encroachment is primarily observed for the development of settlements (such as slums) or civic infrastructure, not for expanding agricultural land. The expansion of agricultural land is not a characteristic feature of urban land-use changes.
Key Takeaway:
Common Property Resources (CPRs) are community-owned lands (like pastures and community forests) used for collective benefit, distinct from private property. Encroachment patterns differ: agricultural expansion in rural areas versus settlement expansion in urban areas.