AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
The single most critical locational factor is abundant water for processing raw jute.
Raw jute must be retted (soaked in water) to soften fibres before spinning and weaving. The Hugli river provides a constant, large-scale supply of water essential for this processing stage. Without it, the actual conversion of raw jute into fibre and fabric cannot take place, making water availability the indispensable factor — more critical than labour or transport, as those can be sourced from elsewhere.
Source: Jute Textiles, Chapter 6
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The question asks you to identify and justify — so two things are needed: name the factor, then explain why it is indispensable specifically for processing (not just location in general). The passage lists several factors, but "abundant water for processing raw jute" is the one directly tied to the industrial process itself (retting). Examiners want you to distinguish this from general factors like cheap labour or transport. Mentioning "retting" shows process-level understanding and earns the justification mark.