Question

‘Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India.’ Justify the statement by evaluating the significant role it plays in the growth of the Indian economy in its different forms.

Answer 1

Significance of Coal:

• It is primarily used for power generation, making it the main source of electricity in India.
• Coal supplies energy to industries such as iron and steel, cement, fertilisers, and chemical industries.
• India is highly dependent on coal for meeting its commercial energy needs, especially in sectors like metallurgy.
• It also supports domestic needs and contributes significantly to the national economy by providing employment and revenue.

Varieties of Coal: Coal occurs in different forms depending on the degree of compression, depth, and time of burial.

• Peat: It formed from decaying plants in swamps; it has low carbon and heating capacity with high moisture content.
• Lignite: A low-grade brown coal found in Neyveli (Tamil Nadu); used for power generation due to its high moisture content.
• Bituminous Coal: The most commonly used coal in India; high-grade bituminous coal is used in metallurgical industries for smelting iron.
• Anthracite: The highest quality hard coal with the highest carbon content and best heating value.