The Sindri fertilizer plant, one of India's oldest and most significant, is located in which state, utilizing its proximity to a major coal-producing region?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Jharkhand.
The Sindri fertilizer plant is located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. Established in 1951, it was the first major public sector industrial enterprise in independent India. Its location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to the Jharia coalfields, which traditionally provided the necessary feedstock and power. Recently, the plant has been revitalized as a modern gas-based urea unit under Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) to boost India's self-sufficiency in fertilizers.
Other Options:
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West Bengal: While sharing a border with the coal belt, its major fertilizer units are located in Durgapur and Haldia.
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Odisha: This state is a major mineral hub, hosting the Talcher fertilizer plant, which focuses on coal gasification technology.
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Bihar: Before the reorganization of states in 2000, Sindri was part of Bihar; currently, the Barauni plant is Bihar's main fertilizer hub.