Why are most iron and steel plants located in the Chota Nagpur Plateau?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Rich in iron ore, coal, and raw materials.
Explanation:
☛ The iron and steel industry is a weight-losing and heavy raw material-based industry, making proximity to raw materials the most critical factor for its location.
☛ The Chota Nagpur Plateau region possesses the country's richest reserves of iron ore (hematite in Singhbhum, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj) and coking coal (Jharia, Raniganj, Bokaro).
☛ Other vital flux materials such as limestone, dolomite, and manganese are also abundantly available within close vicinity.
☛ Locating plants near raw materials minimizes heavy transportation costs and ensures an uninterrupted supply of bulk inputs.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Ruhr of India: Due to its immense mineral wealth, the Chota Nagpur Plateau is often referred to as the "Ruhr of India".
☛ TISCO (Tata Steel): Established in 1907 at Sakchi (Jamshedpur) by Jamsetji Tata, taking advantage of nearby Gorumahisani iron ore and Jharia coal.
☛ Bokaro Steel Plant: Built in Jharkhand during the Third Five-Year Plan with the collaboration of the Soviet Union.
☛ Rourkela & Durgapur Plants: Established during the Second Five-Year Plan with assistance from Germany and the United Kingdom respectively.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which plateau region is known as the "Ruhr of India"? → Chota Nagpur Plateau
☛ In which year was India's first integrated private iron and steel plant (TISCO) established? → 1907
☛ Which steel plant in India was established with the assistance of the Soviet Union? → Bokaro Steel Plant
☛ Which coalfield in Jharkhand is the primary source of metallurgical coking coal in India? → Jharia
☛ Which river valley in the Chota Nagpur region is famous for extensive coal deposits? → Damodar River Valley