RAS question
Neyveli lignite deposits are located in which state?
Correct answer: (C) Tamil Nadu.
The Neyveli lignite deposits are located in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
Explanation
Neyveli is a lignite field in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. In its Lok Sabha answer, the Ministry of Coal identifies it as the Neyveli Lignite Field in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, and mentions the district's geological lignite resources. This establishes Neyveli's location in Tamil Nadu and its district as Cuddalore. NLC India Limited's open-cast lignite mines at Neyveli are linked to thermal power stations that use this lignite. For recall, associate the Neyveli lignite field with Tamil Nadu and Cuddalore district.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Andhra Pradesh is wrong because the Neyveli lignite field is in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
- (B) Karnataka is wrong because the Neyveli lignite field is in Tamil Nadu, not in Karnataka's mineral belt.
- (D) Kerala is wrong because Kerala does not have lignite deposits, while Neyveli is a lignite field in Tamil Nadu.
Concept
This tests the Indian geography theme of mineral-resource distribution, especially state-wise locations of coal and lignite fields. It recurs in RAS because mineral locations connect physical geography with power generation and regional industrial geography.