In which of the following valleys, over 97% of India's coal reserves are located?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: Damodar, Son, Mahanadi, and Godavari.
Explanation:
- More than 97% of India's coal reserves are located in river valleys such as the Damodar, Son, Mahanadi, and Godavari. These regions are known as the Gondwana coalfields.
- Gondwana Coal: This accounts for approximately 98% of India's total coal production and 99% of its reserves. This coal is approximately 200 million years old.
Major River Valleys:
- Damodar Valley: This is India's largest coalfield region (spanning Jharkhand and West Bengal). It houses famous coalfields such as Jharia (the largest), Raniganj, and Bokaro.
- Son Valley: Covers regions in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (e.g., Singrauli).
- Mahanadi Valley: Extends across regions in Odisha (Talcher) and Chhattisgarh.
- Godavari Valley: Spans regions in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (Singareni).
Types and Distribution of Coal (Quick Revision):
Tertiary Coal: This constitutes only 2% of the reserves and is primarily found in the northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh) and Jammu & Kashmir.
Varieties of Coal:
1. Anthracite: The highest quality coal (80–95% carbon); in India, it is found in limited quantities only in Jammu & Kashmir.
2. Bituminous: The most widely found type of coal in India.
3. Lignite: Also known as 'Brown Coal'; it is primarily found in Tamil Nadu (Neyveli).
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Which is India's oldest and largest coalfield?
Answer: Jharia (Jharkhand) and Raniganj (West Bengal – the oldest). Question: What is known as the 'Black Diamond'?
Answer: Coal.
Question: For the production of which type of coal is Neyveli (Tamil Nadu) famous?
Answer: Lignite.