Uneven Distribution
Natural resources are not distributed evenly across the Earth or within India.
- Geology determines availability: Coal is found in sedimentary basins (e.g., Jharkhand, Odisha), while hydro power is viable in mountainous regions (e.g., Himachal Pradesh).
- Implications: This inequality shapes human settlements, trade patterns, and international relations.
The Impact of Distribution
- Economic Growth: Industries develop near resources (e.g., Steel plants near coal/iron mines), creating townships and employment.
- Displacement: Local populations (often indigenous) are frequently displaced to make way for mining or dams.
- Conflict:
- International: Wars have been fought to gain control over oil and minerals.
- Inter-state: Example: The conflict over sharing Kaveri River water between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
The “Natural Resource Curse”
Economists observe a phenomenon called the “Paradox of Plenty” or the “Natural Resource Curse”.
Danger
Concept: Having abundant natural resources does not guarantee a country is rich. In fact, resource-rich regions often experience slower economic growth.
Why does this happen?
- Economies rely solely on exporting raw materials.
- Failure to develop manufacturing industries that turn resources into high-value products.
- Corruption and conflict over the resource revenues.
India’s Approach: India has generally avoided this by investing in industries (Factors of Production) to process resources domestically.
Map: Mineral Distribution in India
(Refer to Fig 1.11 in your textbook)
- Iron Ore: Found heavily in the Odisha-Jharkhand belt and Karnataka (Kudremukh, Ballari).
- Coal: Concentrated in the central-eastern belt (Jharia, Bokaro, Talcher).
- Oil: Found in Assam (Digboi), Gujarat (Ankleshwar), and offshore (Mumbai High).
