Class 12 Geography: Odisha - Population, Settlements, Resources & Transport
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
According to the 2011 Census, which district of Odisha has the highest population?
a) Khordha
b) Ganjam
c) Cuttack
d) Mayurbhanj
Answer: b) Ganjam
Which region of Odisha generally has a lower population density?
a) Coastal Plains
b) Northern Plateau
c) Eastern Ghats (hilly and forested regions)
d) Mahanadi Delta
Answer: c) Eastern Ghats (hilly and forested regions)
A 'dispersed settlement' pattern in Odisha is commonly found in:
a) Coastal agricultural plains
b) Hilly and forested tribal areas
c) Major river deltas
d) Industrial belts
Answer: b) Hilly and forested tribal areas
Which of the following is a 'statutory town' in Odisha?
a) A large village with a market
b) A settlement with a Municipality or Notified Area Council (NAC)
c) A settlement where most people are farmers
d) A seasonal fishing village
Answer: b) A settlement with a Municipality or Notified Area Council (NAC)
Which district is the largest producer of Iron Ore in Odisha?
a) Sundargarh
b) Keonjhar
c) Mayurbhanj
d) Jajpur
Answer: b) Keonjhar
Odisha accounts for a major share of India's reserves of which metallic mineral?
a) Copper
b) Gold
c) Bauxite
d) Manganese
Answer: c) Bauxite
The Talcher coalfield, a significant coal-producing region, is located in which district of Odisha?
a) Sambalpur
b) Angul
c) Jharsuguda
d) Sundargarh
Answer: b) Angul
Which type of forest covers the largest area in Odisha?
a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
c) Montane Forests
d) Mangrove Forests
Answer: b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
The densest road network in Odisha is typically found in the:
a) Western Plateau region
b) Coastal Plain region
c) Northern mountainous region
d) Southern forested region
Answer: b) Coastal Plain region
Which railway line is crucial for connecting the mineral-rich regions of Odisha to its ports?
a) East Coast Railway
b) South Eastern Railway
c) North Central Railway
d) Western Railway
Answer: b) South Eastern Railway (specifically its network within Odisha and connecting to ports)
Paradip Port, a major port in Odisha, is primarily known for handling the export of:
a) Cotton textiles
b) Iron ore and coal
c) Rice
d) Spices
Answer: b) Iron ore and coal
The population growth rate in Odisha, similar to national trends, has been primarily influenced by a decline in:
a) Literacy rate
b) Death rate
c) Birth rate
d) Migration rate
Answer: b) Death rate (leading to higher growth in earlier phases) and subsequent decline in birth rate. Given options, decline in death rate caused early growth, while decline in birth rate is causing recent slowdown. Assuming the question refers to the overall trend of population increase, a decline in death rate is a primary driver.
Which of the following is an example of a 'functional town' in Odisha, primarily known for its industrial activity?
a) Puri
b) Rourkela
c) Konark
d) Sambalpur (known for education/trade more broadly)
Answer: b) Rourkela
The forest cover in Odisha is particularly significant for its contribution to:
a) Mineral extraction
b) Climate regulation and biodiversity
c) Extensive agriculture
d) Urban expansion
Answer: b) Climate regulation and biodiversity
What is a key challenge for the expansion of road networks in the western and southern parts of Odisha?
a) High population density
b) Flat terrain
c) Hilly and forested terrain
d) Lack of demand
Answer: c) Hilly and forested terrain
II. Short Questions
Name two districts in Odisha with relatively high population density.
Answer: Two districts are: Khordha (including Bhubaneswar), Cuttack, Ganjam, Balasore.
What is a 'nucleated' (or compact) settlement pattern in Odisha, and where is it commonly found?
Answer: A nucleated settlement pattern is one where houses are built close together, forming a compact cluster. It is commonly found in the fertile coastal plains and river deltas of Odisha due to the availability of water and agricultural land.
Name the two major iron ore producing districts of Odisha.
Answer: Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
Which district in Odisha is known for its major Bauxite reserves?
Answer: Koraput (Niyamgiri Hills) and Rayagada.
What is the predominant type of forest found in Odisha?
Answer: Tropical Deciduous Forests (also known as Monsoon Forests).
Name the major coalfield located in Odisha.
Answer: Talcher Coalfield and Ib Valley Coalfield.
Identify two major National Highways passing through Odisha.
Answer: NH-16 (formerly NH-5, connecting Kolkata to Chennai) and NH-53 (connecting Paradeep to Chhattisgarh/Maharashtra).
Which railway zone primarily serves Odisha?
Answer: East Coast Railway (ECoR) with headquarters in Bhubaneswar, and also parts of South Eastern Railway.
What is the significance of Paradip Port for Odisha's economy?
Answer: Paradip Port is a major deep-water port crucial for the export of minerals (iron ore, coal) and import of coking coal and crude oil, acting as a key gateway for Odisha's trade.
Briefly explain one reason for the uneven distribution of population in Odisha.
Answer: The uneven distribution is primarily due to variations in physical factors like terrain (fertile plains vs. hills/forests) and resource availability (agricultural land, water, minerals), as well as historical development and economic opportunities.
III. Long Questions
1-Analyze the distribution of population in Odisha, highlighting the factors responsible for the uneven patterns across different regions of the state. Discuss how socio-economic factors contribute to these demographic variations.
Answer:
Distribution of Population in Odisha:
Odisha exhibits a highly uneven distribution of population, with distinct regional concentrations and sparse areas.
High Density Regions:
Coastal Plains: The districts along the coast (e.g., Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Ganjam, Khordha including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack) are densely populated.
River Valleys and Deltaic Regions: Especially the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani river deltas.
Major Urban and Industrial Centers: Cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and industrial belts around them.
Moderate Density Regions:
Parts of the Northern Plateau (e.g., Sundargarh, Keonjhar) with mineral resources and industrial pockets.
Some plain areas in the interior with agricultural potential (e.g., Bargarh, Bolangir).
Low Density Regions:
Eastern Ghats and their foothills: The hilly and forested districts in the south and west (e.g., Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Dhenkanal, Angul). These are often tribal-dominated areas.
Densely forested areas: Throughout the state.
Factors Responsible for Uneven Patterns:
A. Physical Factors:
Relief and Topography:
Plains and Deltas (High Density): Flat, fertile alluvial plains and river deltas (e.g., Mahanadi Delta, Coastal Plains) are ideal for agriculture, settlement, and infrastructure development, supporting high population densities.
Hilly and Mountainous Regions (Low Density): The rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats and dissected plateaus (e.g., Koraput, Kandhamal) restrict agriculture, construction, and connectivity, leading to sparse populations.
Water Availability:
Perennial Rivers and Groundwater (High Density): Areas with reliable water sources from rivers (Mahanadi, Brahmani) and good groundwater potential facilitate intensive agriculture and dense settlements.
Water Scarcity (Low Density): Regions facing water scarcity or unreliable rainfall tend to have lower densities.
Soils:
Fertile Alluvial Soils (High Density): The highly fertile alluvial soils in the coastal plains and river valleys support productive agriculture, which can sustain a large population.
Laterite/Red Soils (Moderate to Low Density): Less fertile soils in the plateau and hilly regions support lower densities or require extensive inputs.
Climate: Moderate and humid coastal climate is conducive to human habitation and agriculture, whereas the interior plateau experiences more extreme temperatures.
Forest Cover: Densely forested regions (e.g., parts of Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Koraput) generally have low population densities due to limited land for agriculture and accessibility issues.
B. Socio-Economic Factors:
Agricultural Productivity: Regions with highly productive agriculture (e.g., rice cultivation in the coastal plains) can support a larger population per unit area.
Industrialization and Urbanization:
Industrial Belts (High Density Pockets): Areas with significant mineral resources (iron ore, coal, bauxite) have attracted industries (e.g., Rourkela, Talcher, Angul, Jajpur Road-Kalinganagar), leading to the development of industrial towns and higher population concentrations.
Urban Centers: Cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack act as administrative, commercial, educational, and service hubs, attracting migration and leading to very high population densities.
Historical Development: Coastal areas and river valleys were historically preferred for early settlements due to accessibility and resource availability, leading to long-established dense populations.
Transport and Connectivity: Areas with well-developed road and railway networks (e.g., coastal highway, East Coast Railway line) facilitate movement of goods and people, promoting settlement and economic activity. Remote and inaccessible regions remain sparsely populated.
Social and Cultural Factors: Tribal populations often prefer to live in dispersed or isolated settlements in hilly and forested regions, maintaining their traditional lifestyles and reducing population density in those areas.
The interplay of these factors explains the stark contrasts in population density across Odisha, from the bustling urban-coastal corridors to the serene, sparsely populated highlands.
2-Classify and describe the major mineral resources of Odisha, specifically focusing on Iron Ore, Bauxite, and Coal. Discuss their distribution within the state and their significance for Odisha's economy and national development.
Answer:
Odisha is one of the richest states in India in terms of mineral resources, often called the "Mineral Hub of India." Its vast reserves of crucial metallic and non-metallic minerals form the backbone of its economy and contribute significantly to national development.
A. Iron Ore:
Description: Iron ore is the most important metallic mineral, used as a primary raw material for the iron and steel industry. Odisha boasts over 50% of India's total iron ore reserves.
Distribution:
Keonjhar-Mayurbhanj-Sundargarh Belt: This belt, particularly in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts, holds the largest and richest deposits. Major mines include Gandhamardan, Barsuan, Kiriburu, and Badampahar.
Jajpur District (Daitari-Tomka): Another significant producing area.
Gajapati District (Mohana and Raigada): Smaller deposits.
Significance:
Steel Production: Forms the base for major steel plants in Odisha (e.g., Rourkela, Kalinganagar) and across India.
Export: Paradip Port is a major export hub for iron ore, generating significant foreign exchange.
Employment: Provides direct and indirect employment in mining, transportation, and related industries.
Economic Backbone: A key driver of Odisha's industrialization and revenue generation.
B. Bauxite:
Description: Bauxite is the principal ore from which aluminum is extracted. Odisha has the largest bauxite reserves in India (over 50%).
Distribution:
Koraput-Kalahandi-Rayagada Belt: This region, particularly the Niyamgiri hills (Rayagada district) and Panchpatmali (Koraput district), holds vast high-grade bauxite deposits.
Gandhamardan Plateau: Also has significant reserves.
Bolangir, Sundargarh, Keonjhar: Other districts with smaller deposits.
Significance:
Aluminum Industry: Feeds major aluminum refineries and smelters in Odisha (e.g., NALCO's plant in Damanjodi, Vedanta's plant in Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda), making Odisha a leading aluminum producer.
Value Addition: Promotes value addition within the state through downstream industries.
Revenue Generation: Contributes substantial revenue to the state exchequer.
C. Coal:
Description: Coal is a primary fossil fuel, crucial for thermal power generation and as a raw material for various industries. Odisha has India's second-largest coal reserves.
Distribution:
Talcher Coalfield: Located primarily in Angul district, it is one of India's largest and most important coalfields.
Ib Valley Coalfield: Located in Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts.
Other smaller fields: Like Handapa, Sambalpur.
Significance:
Power Generation: Feeds numerous thermal power plants in Odisha (e.g., NTPC Talcher Kaniha, Jharsuguda) and other states, ensuring energy security.
Industrial Fuel: Essential fuel for cement, fertilizer, and sponge iron industries within the state.
Employment: Provides direct employment in mining and related sectors.
Economic Driver: Critical for industrial growth and energy self-sufficiency for the state and the nation.
Significance for Odisha's Economy and National Development:
Odisha's rich mineral wealth makes it a powerhouse in India's industrial landscape:
Industrialization: It has fostered the growth of core industries like steel, aluminum, and power generation, creating an industrial base.
Revenue Generation: Mineral royalties and taxes form a substantial portion of the state's revenue.
Employment: Provides direct and indirect employment to a large workforce, though often with social and environmental challenges.
Infrastructure Development: Drives the development of associated infrastructure like railways, roads, and ports (e.g., Paradip Port is crucial for mineral export).
National Contribution: Odisha's minerals significantly contribute to India's energy security, industrial raw material needs, and export earnings, bolstering the national economy.
However, unsustainable mining practices also pose challenges like environmental degradation, displacement of local communities, and social conflicts, necessitating responsible mining and inclusive development strategies.
3-Evaluate the road and rail transport networks in Odisha. Discuss their distribution, key characteristics, and the challenges faced in expanding and modernizing these networks to meet the state's growing transport demands. Highlight their importance for regional development and connectivity.
Answer:
Evaluation of Road and Rail Transport Networks in Odisha:
Transport networks are the lifelines of a state's economy, enabling movement of people, goods, and services. Odisha's unique geography, with its mineral-rich interior, agricultural plains, and coastline, presents both opportunities and challenges for transport development.
A. Road Transport Network:
Distribution:
Dense Network: The coastal plains (e.g., Khordha, Cuttack, Balasore, Ganjam) have the densest road network due to flat terrain, high population density, intensive agriculture, and urban centers. National Highway 16 (formerly NH-5), the main spine, runs through this region.
Moderate Density: The northern plateau region (e.g., Sundargarh, Keonjhar) also has a moderate network, driven by industrial and mining activities.
Sparse Network: The hilly, forested, and tribal-dominated regions of the Eastern Ghats and western Odisha (e.g., Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal) have a very sparse and often poorly maintained road network due to difficult terrain and lower population density.
Key Characteristics:
Dominant Mode: Roads are the most widely used mode for both passenger and freight movement, especially for short and medium distances.
Feeder Role: They act as crucial feeders to railway stations, ports, and airports.
Connectivity to Remote Areas: Essential for connecting villages and remote areas to towns and markets.
Ongoing Upgradation: Significant investments in upgrading National and State Highways (e.g., four-laning projects).
Challenges:
Poor Rural Connectivity: Many remote villages still lack all-weather road connectivity.
Quality Issues: Many roads, especially district and rural roads, are of poor quality and prone to damage during monsoons.
Congestion: Urban areas and major highways face increasing traffic congestion.
Maintenance: Adequate maintenance of the vast road network is a continuous challenge.
Terrain Challenges: Constructing and maintaining roads in hilly and forested areas is expensive and difficult.
B. Rail Transport Network:
Distribution:
Dense Network: The railway network is densest in the coastal plain region (served by the East Coast Railway), connecting major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Berhampur, and providing links to Kolkata and Chennai.
Mineral and Industrial Corridors: Significant railway lines penetrate the mineral-rich and industrial areas of the Northern Plateau (e.g., line to Rourkela, Talcher, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar), crucial for transporting coal, iron ore, and finished steel products. The South Eastern Railway also plays a vital role here.
Sparse Network: The south-western and interior hilly districts have very limited railway connectivity due to challenging terrain and lower economic viability, creating regional disparities.
Key Characteristics:
Bulk Freight: Primary mode for long-distance transport of heavy and bulky goods, especially minerals from mines to ports and industries.
Passenger Traffic: Important for inter-city and long-distance passenger travel within and outside the state.
East Coast Railway (ECoR): Headquartered in Bhubaneswar, ECoR plays a pivotal role in the state's railway operations.
Challenges:
Capacity Constraints: Increasing demand for both freight and passenger traffic is straining existing lines, leading to congestion.
Network Expansion: Expanding the network into the inaccessible hilly and forested regions is expensive and faces land acquisition challenges.
Electrification and Modernization: While ongoing, complete electrification and modernization of signaling systems are needed.
Last-mile Connectivity: Often requires road transport for last-mile connectivity from railway stations to final destinations.
Importance for Regional Development and Connectivity:
Economic Growth: Efficient road and rail networks are vital for the movement of raw materials to industries, finished goods to markets, and skilled labor to workplaces, directly fueling economic growth.
Mineral Exploitation: Railways, in particular, are indispensable for the large-scale evacuation of minerals (iron ore, coal, bauxite) from the mines to ports (e.g., Paradip) for export, and to industrial clusters within and outside the state.
Agricultural Marketing: Roads connect agricultural producers in rural areas to urban markets, reducing post-harvest losses and improving farmers' incomes.
Industrial Development: Well-connected transport networks attract industrial investments by ensuring timely supply chain logistics. Rourkela's steel plant, for example, is strategically located on a railway line connecting raw material sources.
Tourism: Improved road and rail connectivity enhances access to tourist destinations like Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake, and wildlife sanctuaries, boosting the tourism sector.
Social Integration: They facilitate the movement of people for education, healthcare, and employment, fostering social cohesion and reducing regional disparities.
Disaster Management: Crucial for rapid response and relief operations during natural calamities like floods and cyclones, which frequently affect Odisha.
To meet the growing demands, Odisha needs continued investment in upgrading existing networks, building new strategic links (especially in underserved regions), promoting multimodal integration, and adopting advanced technologies for efficient transport management.
