Question

Describe the distribution of the cement industry in India.

Answer 1

The cement industry is mainly concentrated near limestone reserves along the Vindhyan ranges (Rajasthan to Jharkhand). About 86% of factories and 75% of capacity are in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.

Major States:

• Madhya Pradesh: Leading producer, plants at Satna, Kymore, Katni, Maihar, Jamul, Mandhar, Gopalnagar, Akaltara.
• Andhra Pradesh: Second largest, with a major plant at Peddapalli and centres like Vijayawada, Tandur.
• Rajasthan: Third, with plants at Sawai Madhopur, Lakheri, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Sirohi.
• Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka: Important but declining share; centres at Porbandar, Sikka, Dwarka, Bhavnagar (Gujarat); Dalmiapuram, Madukkarai (Tamil Nadu); Bhadravati, Shahabad, Wadi (Karnataka).

Other States:

• Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Telangana – Have plants but a smaller contribution.
• Many mini plants also exist, exploiting small limestone deposits and providing employment.