Consider the following statements: 1. The Damuda series of rock syst

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Damuda series of rock system contain all the metallurgical coal in India.
  • 2. Tamil Nadu is the chief producer of lignite coal in India.
  • 3. Tertiary coal is mainly confined to the peninsular India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
Based on the typical understanding and the options provided, the correct option is C (1 and 2 only).
– Statement 1: “The Damuda series of rock system contain all the metallurgical coal in India.” The Damuda series, part of the Gondwana system, holds the vast majority of India’s metallurgical (coking) coal reserves, found primarily in the Damodar Valley (Jharkhand, West Bengal). While the statement uses the strong word “all”, in the context of major deposits and typical UPSC phrasing focusing on primary sources, it is often treated as correct in contrast to other clearly incorrect statements about coal distribution.
– Statement 2 is correct: Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of lignite coal in India, primarily from the Neyveli field.
– Statement 3 is incorrect: Tertiary coal deposits in India are mainly found in the northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland), Jammu & Kashmir, and also in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. It is *not* mainly confined to peninsular India; Gondwana coal is mainly confined to peninsular India.
– Therefore, assuming Statement 1 is accepted as essentially correct in this context (meaning containing the overwhelming majority), and Statement 2 is correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect, the combination “1 and 2 only” is the correct option.
Indian coal is broadly classified into two geological ages: Gondwana coal (about 250 million years old), found in peninsular India (major fields: Damodar Valley, Mahanadi, Godavari, Son, Wardha rivers), which is high grade bituminous coal including metallurgical coal; and Tertiary coal (about 15-60 million years old), found mostly in non-peninsular regions (NE India, J&K) and some coastal peninsular areas (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu), which includes lignite and sub-bituminous coal.