Q. Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’.
Ans: The Deccan Traps is a vast volcanic plateau located in western and southern India. This geological formation is rich in various natural resources that have played significant roles in shaping the region’s economy, environment, and human activities.
Some of the key natural resource potentials of the Deccan Traps are as follows:
- Basalt Rock and Building Materials: The Deccan Traps are primarily composed of basalt rock, which has been extensively used as a building material for construction. Basalt’s durability, strength, and ability to resist weathering make it a valuable resource for construction purposes, including the creation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
- Minerals and Ores: The Deccan Traps contain valuable mineral deposits and ores. These include minerals like zeolites, which have applications in various industries, including agriculture and construction. Additionally, small-scale mining operations have extracted minerals like mica, gypsum, and quartz from the region.
- Agricultural Fertility: The volcanic soils derived from the weathering of Deccan Trap rocks are rich in nutrients, particularly in minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. These fertile soils support agricultural activities, making the Deccan region an important agricultural hub for crops like cotton, soybeans, millets, and oilseeds.
- Water Resources: The Deccan Traps contribute significantly to the region’s groundwater recharge. The permeable nature of the basalt rocks allows rainwater to percolate into the ground and recharge aquifers, thereby sustaining water resources for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.
- Geothermal Energy: The heat generated by the underlying magma chambers of the Deccan Traps contributes to geothermal energy potential. While geothermal energy is not extensively tapped in the region, it presents a renewable energy source that could be harnessed for power generation and heating.
- Tourism and Biodiversity: The unique landscape created by the Deccan Traps, characterized by its rugged topography, hills, valleys, and rock formations, attracts tourists and supports biodiversity. Several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and geological sites within the Deccan region provide opportunities for ecotourism and conservation efforts.
- Lava Plateaus and Quarries: The Deccan Traps’ volcanic features, such as lava plateaus and rocky outcrops, have aesthetic and recreational value. They offer opportunities for adventure tourism, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.
- Viticulture and Horticulture: The Deccan Traps’ climate and volcanic soils have been conducive to viticulture (grape cultivation) and horticulture. The region is known for producing a variety of fruits and grapes, contributing to agricultural diversity and economic activities.
- Scientific Research and Education: The unique geological formations of the Deccan Traps have attracted researchers and scientists interested in studying volcanic activity, plate tectonics, and Earth’s geological history. The region’s diverse geology also provides educational opportunities for geology and earth sciences.
Overall, the Deccan Traps offer a range of natural resources that have shaped various aspects of the region’s economy, culture, and environment. Balancing resource utilization with conservation efforts is essential to ensure sustainable development and the preservation of the unique attributes of this geological formation.
UPSC CSE 2022 Mains GS 1 Paper Model Answer