Correct Option
The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The cement industry is a core infrastructure sector. Its geographical distribution is primarily governed by the availability of heavy and bulky raw materials, classifying it as a raw-material-oriented industry.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: India is the second-largest producer of cement in the world, following China. It accounts for a significant portion of the global installed capacity.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cement manufacturing requires heavy and bulky raw materials such as limestone, silica, alumina, and gypsum. It is a weight-losing industry, meaning the weight of the raw materials used is significantly higher than the weight of the finished product. To minimize transportation costs, cement plants are established near the sources of raw materials (specifically limestone deposits), not far away.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The cement industry is highly energy-intensive and is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly Carbon Dioxide (CO2). While the industry is adopting green technologies and alternative fuels to reduce emissions, it has not completely eliminated its carbon footprint.
Key Takeaway:
India is the second-largest cement producer globally. Due to the high transport cost of bulky limestone, the cement industry is strictly located near raw material sources (weight-losing industry).