Question

1. Name two major industrial regions, one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast of India.
2. For each region, name two important industrial centres.
3. For any one of the regions named, explain the geographical factors that have led to its development.

Answer 1

Two major industrial regions in India are:

• East Coast Industrial Region: Hugli Industrial Region.
  Two important industrial centres in this region: Kolkata and Haldia.

• West Coast Industrial Region: Mumbai-Pune Industrial Region.
  Two important industrial centres in this region: Mumbai and Pune.

Geographical Factors for the Development of the Mumbai-Pune Industrial Region:

1. The river Hugli provided an excellent site for the development of an inland river port, which became a nucleus for the industrial development around Kolkata.
2. Kolkata, being an old trading centre from the late 17th century, and having good connectivity via the Ganga and its tributaries with the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains hinterland, facilitated trade and transportation.
3. Availability of coal and iron ore from the nearby Chotanagpur plateau supported industrial growth, especially jute mills, which relied on coal from the Damodar valley.
4. Cheap labour was readily available from densely populated neighbouring states such as Odisha, Bihar, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
5. Kolkata was the capital of British India (1773–1912), attracting British investments and becoming the centre for the jute industry, starting with the first mill at Rishra in 1855.
6. The location on the river was ideal for export-import; raw materials could be shipped out and finished goods imported easily.
7. Good transport and communication networks, including rivers, roads, and railways, supported the growth of industries.
8. The development of a port at Haldia further eased cargo handling and supported industrial expansion.