Test: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha (Physical) - 1 - UPSC MCQ

The economy of Chhattisgarh is primarily based on mining, agriculture, energy production, and manufacturing. These sectors contribute significantly to the state's economic growth and development.

Chhattisgarh has major deposits of coal, iron ore, dolomite, and tin. Additionally, the state also has significant reserves of bauxite, limestone, manganese ore, and diamonds. These mineral resources play a vital role in the state's mining industry and contribute to its economic prosperity.

The central lowland plain of Chhattisgarh, located in the north-central region, is often referred to as the "rice bowl." This fertile region is known for its abundant rice production and supplies grain to hundreds of rice mills across the country.

Agriculture in Chhattisgarh is characterized in many areas by the use of manual methods of cultivation. Farmers, especially in the basin areas, have been slow to adopt mechanized agricultural techniques. This reliance on manual cultivation is a notable feature of the state's agricultural practices.

Livestock farming is prominent in Chhattisgarh, and the state's livestock includes cows, buffalo, and goats. These animals are raised for various purposes, including dairy production, meat, and other by-products. Chhattisgarh also has centers for improving the quality of these animals through artificial insemination and crossbreeding.

Bhilai Nagar in Chhattisgarh is known for housing a large iron-and-steel plant. This plant is a significant industrial establishment in the state and contributes to its manufacturing sector. Bhilai Nagar is one of the major industrial estates in Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh primarily relies on thermal power plants for electricity generation. The state has several thermal power plants, with many located near Korba. However, Chhattisgarh also has significant potential for hydroelectric energy, and there are hydroelectric projects like the Ban Sagar dam and the Harked dam over the Mahanadi River.

Chhattisgarh is well connected to the rest of the country through road, rail, and air transportation. The state is traversed by several national and state highways, and it has important railway junctions in its larger cities. Airports at Raipur and Bilaspur serve commercial flights, with additional airports being developed in Raigarh, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur.

Raipur is the political capital of Chhattisgarh. It serves as the administrative center for the state's government. The High Court, however, is located in Bilaspur, and the chief justice presides over it.

Chhattisgarh was separated from Madhya Pradesh and established as a separate state on November 1, 2000. The formation of Chhattisgarh as a state was a peaceful process and was not associated with the agitation and violence witnessed during the establishment of other new states in India around the same time.