Question.
Analyze the importance of minerals in the industrial development of the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.
(UPPSC Mains General Studies-VI/GS-6 2023 Solutions)
Answer.
About Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh:
Bundelkhand region lies in two states: Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
The region is comprised of Archaean Rock systems (Archaean Gneisses and Schists). It is about 4 billion years old and was formed before the Cambrian system. That is why, it is mineral-rich. It has great potential for mineral-based industries and also harning of Solar energy.
Bundelkhand region is a hot and semi-humid region.
This region is bounded by the Betwa River on the west, Yamuna on the north, and Ken River on the east.
Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh comprises 7 districts: Lalitpur, Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda, and Chitrakoot.
Minerals play an important role in the industrial development of the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh for the following reasons:
Raw materials for Industrial development:
Bundelkhand region is rich in mineral resources such as limestone, granite, marble, dolomite, glass sand, and rock phosphate.
These minerals serve as raw materials for various industries like fertilizer, cement, construction, ceramics, etc. These help in economic development in the region.
Rock Phosphate (Lalitpur): It is the key raw material of the fertilizer industry.
Diaspore (Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Mahoba): 15 % of the country reserves of Diaspore are found in the three districts. It is used in the refractory industry.
Silica or Glass sand ( Chitrakoot and Praygraj): It is used for glass manufacturing.
Limestone, clay, and Gypsum ( Jhanshi): These are used in the cement industry.
Granite ( Banda and Lalitpur): It is used for tiles making and the construction industry.
Bauxite ( Chitrakoot): It is used for the Aluminium Industry.
Copper ( Lalitpur): Used in electrical, electronic, and jewelry industries.
Uranium ( Lalitpur): It is used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
Infrastructure Development:
Industries require access to transportation networks like roads and railways to extract, process, and transport minerals. Therefore, it promotes infrastructure development in the region.
Investment in infrastructure enhances connectivity and facilitates industrial activities and development.
Employment Generation:
Mining and minerals-based industries in the Bundelkhand region create employment opportunities for local people and help in upliftment in socio-economic upliftment.
The importance of minerals in the industrial development of the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh is essential to harness their full potential and ensure long-term prosperity.
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