UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies
Question 42: Geography
HINDALCO, an aluminium factory located at Renukoot owes its site basically to
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Aluminium smelting uses huge amounts of electricity, so smelters are put near cheap power. HINDALCO's Renukoot plant draws power from the Rihand hydel project and the nearby thermal stations, while bauxite is brought from mines elsewhere and the market is spread across the country. Power therefore decided the site. Remember: aluminium is a power-oriented industry, as at Renukoot, Hirakud and Korba.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Bauxite comes from mines some distance away, so raw materials did not decide the site.
- (b) Right: Renukoot grew around cheap power from Rihand and nearby thermal plants.
- (c) Transport helps but is not what fixed the location.
- (d) Aluminium is sold across India; the market did not decide the site.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.