India depends heavily on coal for commercial energy, yet coal is also a major cause of environmental problems. Using your understanding of both energy resources and mineral conservation, explain why India must develop a strategy that goes beyond simply increasing coal extraction to meet its growing energy needs.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:35 · grounding rag
Model Answer
India depends heavily on coal — the most abundantly available fossil fuel — for power generation, industry, and domestic needs. However, this over-dependence creates serious problems that demand a broader strategy:
- Coal is finite and non-renewable. Formed over millions of years, it cannot be replenished; excessive extraction will exhaust reserves.
- Environmental damage. Increasing use of fossil fuels causes serious environmental problems, making continued coal dependence unsustainable.
- Energy inefficiency. India is presently one of the least energy-efficient countries in the world; judicious use of resources is essential.
- Alternatives exist. India is blessed with abundant sunlight, wind, water, and biomass. Solar, wind, tidal, and biogas energy are renewable and environment-friendly.
- Conservation is key. "Energy saved is energy produced" — promoting energy conservation alongside renewable energy are the twin planks of sustainable energy development.
Therefore, India must combine energy conservation with rapid expansion of non-conventional sources to meet growing needs sustainably.
Source: Chapter 5 — Energy Resources, Conventional Sources of Energy, Non-Conventional Sources of Energy, Conservation of Energy Resources
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to link coal's limitations (non-renewable, polluting) with the need for alternatives and conservation — not just describe coal.
- Use textbook phrases like "twin planks of sustainable energy" and "energy saved is energy produced" — examiners reward accurate textbook language.
- 5 marks = roughly 5 distinct points; bullet format is clean and easier to mark.
- Avoid listing only facts about coal types — the question asks for a strategy, so your answer must move from problem → solution.