Question

With reference to the picture given on the right of a steel mill answer the following questions:

1. Name two industrial towns which are connected with the production of iron and steel.
2. Mini steel plants cause less pollution than integrated steel plants. Give reasons.
3. State the difficulties experienced by the iron and steel industry in India.
4. Give three reasons why the iron and steel industry is concentrated largely in the Chota Nagpur belt.

Answer 1

1. Two industrial towns are Jamshedpur and Bhilai.
2. Because mini plants use electric furnaces and scrap/sponge‑iron feedstock and avoid the coal‑intensive blast‑furnace route used in integrated mills, they emit far fewer airborne pollutants and related wastes.
3. • Capital‑intensive industry with long gestation periods.
   • Obsolete/outdated technology and machinery (low productivity).
   • Limited availability of high‑grade coking coal (many plants must import coal).
   • Many small units are sick or closed due to power shortages and rising raw‑material costs.
   • Government control of prices leaves little profit margin for manufacturers.
4. • Abundant iron ore nearby: The Chota Nagpur Plateau (Singhbhum/Noamundi area) is rich in iron‑ore deposits, so raw material is close to the plants.
   • Large coal reserves in the region: Major coalfields (Jharia, Bokaro, Raniganj area) supply the coke/energy the industry needs, cutting transport costs for bulky fuel.
   • Cheap labour and established steel infrastructure: Skilled/cheaper labour and existing large plants (e.g., TISCO Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Rourkela) encourage further concentration (agglomeration) of steel units.