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Difficulty: MediumMineral and Energy Resources of India

Arrange the following Indian states in descending order based on their total estimated geological coal reserves (from highest reserves to lowest reserves):

  1. 1Jharkhand
  2. 2Odisha
  3. 3Chhattisgarh
  4. 4West Bengal

Answer

The correct descending order of states by total estimated coal reserves is Jharkhand, followed by Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
According to official data from the Geological Survey of India and the Ministry of Coal, Jharkhand ranks first in total estimated coal reserves, followed by Odisha in second position, Chhattisgarh in third position, and West Bengal in fourth position.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the state with the largest coal reserves in India
Jharkhand leads India in total geological coal reserves, accounting for over 25% of the national total.
The Gondwana coalfields of the Damodar Valley (Jharia, Bokaro, North/South Karanpura) contain massive coking and non-coking coal seams.
2
Determine the second and third highest states in coal reserves
Odisha is second (~24% of national reserves) and Chhattisgarh is third (~20% of national reserves).
The Mahanadi Valley (Talcher) in Odisha and the Son-Mahanadi basin (Korba, Hasdeo-Arand) in Chhattisgarh hold vast thermal coal deposits.
3
Determine the relative rank of West Bengal
West Bengal ranks fourth among these options (~10% of national reserves).
The Raniganj coalfield forms the primary resource base in West Bengal.

Key Concept

Geological distribution and state-wise ranking of coal reserves in India
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Topics

Mineral and Energy Resources of India

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