RAS question
Barmer-Sanchor basin in Rajasthan is known for:
Correct answer: (A) Crude oil and natural gas.
The Barmer-Sanchor basin in Rajasthan is known for its important crude oil and natural gas reserves and production.
Explanation
The Barmer-Sanchor basin is Rajasthan's key petroleum-producing region, with proved hydrocarbon reserves and producing oil and gas fields. Cairn India, now Vedanta, discovered oil fields such as Mangla, Bhagyam and Aishwariya in this basin. Commercial crude oil production from the Mangla field began on 29 August 2009. Natural gas production has also begun from the Raageshwari Deep Gas Field and other associated-gas fields, and gas from the basin is used for power generation and other commercial purposes. Therefore, the correct identification is crude oil and natural gas, not diamonds, coal or gold.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) The Barmer-Sanchor basin is known for petroleum resources, not diamond deposits.
- (C) Coal is mainly associated with the Barsingsar area of Bikaner, not with the Barmer-Sanchor petroleum basin.
- (D) The basin is associated with crude oil and natural gas, not with gold mining.
Concept
This question tests the geographical identification of petroleum basins within Rajasthan's mineral and energy resources. Such questions recur in RAS because identifying major basins and production regions is essential for understanding the state's economy, energy resources and regional resource distribution.