Question

Answer the following:

Explain the physical factors affecting location of industries.

Answer 1

Introduction: The place where the conversion of products obtained from primary activities into final products takes place is called a ‘factory’. The location of the industry is a very important thing in this process. The required raw material of the industry highly affects the location of the industry. The characteristics of raw materials and finished products also affect the location of the sector. e.g. Perishable raw material required industries will be located in the source of raw material areas. e.g. sugar industries.

1. Relief (Landforms): The population is densely distributed on flat plains and gentle slopes. This is because such areas are favourable for the production of crops. In these areas, it is easier to build roads and develop industries. The mountainous and hilly regions tend to be less populated. If means of livelihood are available, the population can be concentrated in a few such areas. For example, Dehradun, Leh, etc. Thus, it can be concluded that plateaus or mountainous areas are less populated than plains.
2. Climate: Climate, raw material, water, power, labour, land and transport are important physical factors deciding the location of industry. Extreme climates like too hot, cold, dry and very humid climates are unsuitable for industries. Generally, industries develop in areas of moderate climate.
3. Availability of raw materials: Availability of raw materials is essential for developing industries. Industries using perishable, heavy, bulky and weight-losing raw materials are located in the areas of the source of raw materials. For example, sugar mills near sugarcane growing areas. Most industries require a lot of water for processing, like cooling, washing etc. Such industries are located near lakes, rivers or other water bodies. For example, many industries are situated around the Great Lakes in the USA.
4. Water and power supply: Almost all industries require plenty of water for various processes like cooling, smelting, washing etc. Thus, such industries are located near rivers' or lakes' banks. Coal, oil, and electricity are indispensable energy resources for any industry. Coal is heavy and bulky.
5. Labour: Labour is another important factor in deciding the location of industries. The availability of skilled, semi-skilled and cheap labour is very important to work in industries. Hence, we generally find labour colonies where skilled and cheap labour is available.
6. Transportation: Transport facilities are essential for transporting raw materials and finished products. Low-cost transport is a critical factor in the development of industries. Industries develop in the areas where the transportation network is well-developed. For example, many industries are developed along the Trans-Siberian railway line in Russia.
7. Site or availability of land: Site requirements for industrial development are of considerable significance. The location should be generally flat and well-served by adequate transport facilities. Large areas are required to build factories. Earlier, industries were concentrated near urban areas. Still, because of the non-availability of land and high prices, there is a tendency to set up industries in rural areas—for example, Lote Parshuram industrial area in Chiplun and Chakan in Pune.