The correct answer is: a) Lignite mining and thermal power generation.
Neyveli is a town in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the headquarters of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC), a public sector undertaking that is engaged in the mining and production of lignite, a type of coal. The town is also home to a thermal power plant, which is one of the largest in India.
Lignite is a low-grade coal that is found in abundance in the Neyveli region. It is used to generate electricity at the thermal power plant, which supplies power to the state of Tamil Nadu. The lignite is also used to produce fertilizer and other chemicals.
The town of Neyveli is well-developed and has all the basic amenities, including schools, hospitals, banks, and shopping malls. It is also well-connected to other parts of the country by road and rail.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Granite quarrying is not a major industry in Neyveli.
- Solar power production is a relatively new industry in India, and Neyveli is not one of the major centers for it.
- Beach sand mining is a controversial activity that is not allowed in Neyveli.