Kharkai and Subarnarekha
Explanation
The localization of the iron and steel industry is governed by the availability of heavy and weight-losing raw materials (iron ore, coal, limestone) and a perennial source of water. Water is critical for cooling blast furnaces, steam generation, and cleaning purposes in integrated steel plants.
Detailed Analysis:
- TISCO Location: The Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), now Tata Steel, was established in 1907 at Sakchi, which was later renamed Jamshedpur. It is the oldest integrated steel plant in India.
- Water Supply: The site was strategically chosen due to its proximity to raw materials and water sources. The plant is situated at the confluence of the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers in Jharkhand. These rivers ensure a continuous and sufficient water supply required for the plant's massive industrial operations.
- Analysis of Other Options:
- Damodar and Barakar: These rivers flow through the coal-bearing regions of Jharkhand and West Bengal. While important for the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and coal washing, they are not the primary water source for the Jamshedpur plant.
- Mahanadi and Brahmani: These rivers are major river systems in Odisha. The Rourkela Steel Plant is located on the banks of the Brahmani river.
- Son and Kosi: The Son is a tributary of the Ganga, and the Kosi flows through Bihar. Neither is geographically associated with the industrial region of Jamshedpur.
Key Takeaway:
Jamshedpur (Tatanagar) is located at the confluence of the rivers Subarnarekha and Kharkai, which provide the essential water supply for the Tata Steel (TISCO) plant.