Discuss three major constraints in the development of mineral resources in India and suggest two measures to overcome each constraint.
Answer
Constraints: high extraction cost, environmental concerns, inadequate infrastructure; Measures: (i) subsidised technology and R&D to lower costs, (ii) stricter but balanced environmental regulations and rehabilitation programmes, (iii) investment in transport, power and processing facilities plus public‑private partnerships to improve infrastructure.
Step-by-step solution
- List the three most significant constraints affecting mineral development: (a) high cost of extraction and processing, (b) environmental and social concerns, (c) lack of adequate infrastructure such as roads, power and water supply.
- Explain why each constraint hinders exploitation of mineral stocks.
- For each constraint, propose two practical measures: for cost – provide subsidies, promote research; for environment – enforce balanced regulations and restoration plans; for infrastructure – increase public and private investment, develop logistics networks.
- Combine the constraints and their measures into a concise final statement as required for the answer.
Common mistake: Mentioning only two constraints or giving generic measures without linking them to each specific constraint.
Concept tested: Mineral development constraints
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