Rajasthan is rich in solar and wind energy but lacks water resources, yet it remains economically underdeveloped. Arunachal Pradesh has abundant water resources but also lags behind economically. What common factor — beyond resource availability — does this pattern highlight as essential for development, and how does India's resource planning process attempt to address it?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:29 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The common factor highlighted is the lack of infrastructure and appropriate technology. Both Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh possess natural resources but remain underdeveloped due to insufficient technological and institutional support.
As the textbook states, "mere availability of resources in the absence of corresponding changes in technology and institutions may hinder development."
India's resource planning addresses this through a three-step process: (i) identification and inventory of resources, (ii) developing appropriate technology, skills and institutional setup for implementation, and (iii) matching resource development plans with overall national development plans.
Source: Resources and Development, Resource Planning in India
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Explanation
- The examiner wants you to identify technology and institutions (not just infrastructure) as the missing factor — this exact phrase comes from the textbook.
- Quote or closely paraphrase the textbook line about "mere availability… may hinder development" — it signals you've read the source.
- The three steps of resource planning are a standard list question; write them concisely as numbered points.
- Avoid padding with unrelated points like conservation or colonialism — stay focused on what the question asks.