Industries (Basic)

Classification Of Industries

Industries can be classified based on various criteria, helping us understand their nature, scale, ownership, and the resources they utilize. This classification helps in analyzing their role in the economy and their impact on society and the environment.

Raw Materials

Based on the type of raw materials used, industries can be classified as:

• Agro-based Industries: These industries use plant and animal-based products as their raw materials. Examples include textile industries (using cotton, jute, silk), food processing industries (using fruits, vegetables, milk), leather industries, and industries producing wool and timber.
• Mineral-based Industries: These industries use minerals and metals as their raw materials. Examples include iron and steel, cement, aluminium, copper, and chemical industries. These industries are often heavy industries due to the bulk of raw materials and finished goods they handle.

Size

The size of an industry is determined by the amount of capital invested, number of people employed, and volume of production. It can be categorized as:

• Small-scale Industries: These are industries characterized by smaller investments, fewer employees, and lower production volumes. They often produce goods like handicrafts, pottery, food products, and handloom textiles. In India, these play a vital role in providing employment and fostering entrepreneurship.
• Large-scale Industries: These industries involve significant capital investment, employ a large workforce, and have high production volumes. They often produce heavy machinery, automobiles, steel, petroleum products, and power.

Ownership

Industries can also be classified based on who owns and operates them:

• Private Sector Industries: Owned and operated by individuals or groups of individuals. Their main aim is to earn profit. Examples include Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), Reliance Industries.
• Public Sector Industries: Owned and operated by the government or a government-controlled corporation. Their aim is to provide public services and promote socio-economic welfare, though they also aim for profitability. Examples include Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Indian Railways.
• Joint Sector Industries: Owned and operated by both government and private individuals or companies. Examples include Maruti Udyog Limited.
• Cooperative Sector Industries: Owned and operated by the producers or suppliers of raw materials, or both. The profit is shared among the members. Examples include the sugar industry in Maharashtra and the dairy industry (Amul).

Factors Affecting Location Of Industries

The location of an industry is a complex decision influenced by a combination of factors. These factors determine the cost of production, accessibility to markets, and overall profitability.

• Availability of Raw Materials: Industries are often located close to the source of their raw materials to minimize transportation costs. For example, iron and steel plants are often located near iron ore and coal mines.
• Proximity to Markets: Industries need to be close to consumers to sell their finished products. This is especially true for perishable goods or bulky items where transportation costs are high.
• Availability of Labour: Industries require skilled and unskilled labour. The availability and cost of labour are significant considerations.
• Availability of Power: Industries are heavily dependent on a reliable and affordable supply of power. Areas with abundant and cheap electricity are often preferred.
• Land: Availability of suitable land for setting up factories, infrastructure, and expansion. Cost of land also plays a role.
• Water: Many industries require water for processing, cooling, and sanitation. Proximity to water sources is therefore important.
• Transport and Communication: Efficient transport networks (roads, railways, waterways, airways) are crucial for bringing raw materials to the factory and taking finished goods to the market. Good communication facilities are also essential for business operations.
• Government Policies: Government regulations, incentives, and taxation policies can influence industrial location decisions. For example, governments might offer tax breaks or subsidies to encourage industries in backward areas.
• Capital: Availability of finance and investment is essential for setting up and running industries.
• Infrastructure: Availability of supporting infrastructure like banking, power supply, waste disposal, and internet connectivity.

Industrial System

An industrial system, similar to a farm system, can be viewed as a complex process involving inputs, processes, and outputs, aimed at transforming raw materials into finished goods. It is a structured approach to manufacturing.

Components of an Industrial System:

• Inputs: These are the resources required to start and run an industry.
  • Factors of Production: Land, labour, capital.
  • Raw Materials: The basic materials used in production (e.g., iron ore for steel, cotton for textiles).
  • Power/Energy: Electricity, coal, petroleum, etc., to run machinery.
  • Technology: Machinery, equipment, and processes used in manufacturing.
  • Information: Market research, product design, business management knowledge.
• Processes: These are the activities that transform inputs into outputs.
  • Assembly: Bringing together different components.
  • Manufacturing: Shaping, processing, and assembling raw materials into finished products.
  • Quality Control: Ensuring products meet standards.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Managing the flow of materials and products.
• Outputs: These are the final products and by-products of the industrial process.
  • Finished Goods: Products ready for sale (e.g., cars, clothes, electronics).
  • By-products: Secondary products resulting from the manufacturing process (e.g., slag from steelmaking).
  • Waste Products: Materials that are discarded or require treatment.
• Feedback: The results of the outputs (e.g., sales, customer feedback, waste management issues) influence future inputs and processes, creating a cycle of improvement and adaptation.

Industrial Regions

Industrial regions are areas where a high concentration of industries is found. These regions develop due to the favourable presence of factors like raw materials, power, water, labour, transport, and market access. They often exhibit specialized industrial activities.

Key characteristics of industrial regions:

• High concentration of manufacturing units.
• Developed transportation and communication networks.
• Availability of skilled labour and supporting services.
• Often associated with urbanization and a high population density.
• Significant contribution to regional and national economies.

Major Industrial Regions Globally:

• Eastern North America
• Western and Central Europe
• Eastern Europe and European Russia
• Eastern Asia (Japan, China)

Major Industrial Regions in India:

• Mumbai-Pune Cluster: Dominant centre for cotton textiles, petrochemicals, automobiles, and IT.
• Bengal-Jharkhand Industrial Belt: Rich in minerals like iron ore, coal, and copper. Dominant industries include iron and steel, heavy engineering, and coal mining. Important centres are Kolkata, Asansol, Jamshedpur, Bokaro.
• Gujarat-Rajasthan Industrial Belt: Strong in textiles (Ahmedabad), petrochemicals, chemicals, and engineering industries.
• South Indian Industrial Belt: Includes industrial centres in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, focusing on textiles, automobiles, electronics, and heavy engineering. Coimbatore (textiles, engineering), Bengaluru (IT, aerospace), Chennai (automobiles, IT).

Industrial Disaster

An industrial disaster is an accident that occurs at an industrial site, resulting in significant loss of life, property damage, environmental pollution, and disruption of economic activities. These disasters can be caused by human error, equipment failure, natural hazards interacting with industrial infrastructure, or faulty safety measures.

Causes of Industrial Disasters:

• Human Error: Negligence, lack of training, or poor judgment by workers.
• Equipment Failure: Malfunction of machinery, faulty safety valves, or leaks in pipelines.
• Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, floods, or storms can damage industrial facilities, leading to the release of hazardous materials.
• Poor Safety Standards: Inadequate safety protocols, lack of emergency preparedness, and insufficient safety equipment.
• Storage of Hazardous Materials: Improper storage of flammable, toxic, or explosive substances.

Notable Industrial Disasters:

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy (India, 1984): Considered one of the world's worst industrial disasters. A leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide pesticide plant killed thousands and caused long-term health problems for hundreds of thousands. This disaster highlighted the critical need for stringent safety regulations and emergency preparedness in industries handling hazardous chemicals.
• Chernobyl Disaster (Ukraine, 1986): A nuclear power plant accident that released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere, causing widespread contamination and health consequences.
• Chernobyl Disaster (Ukraine, 1986): A nuclear power plant accident that released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere, causing widespread contamination and health consequences.

Prevention and Mitigation:

• Implementing strict safety regulations and regular inspections.
• Training workers on safety procedures and emergency response.
• Maintaining machinery and safety equipment effectively.
• Developing robust emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Proper management and storage of hazardous materials.
• Environmental impact assessments before setting up industries.

Distribution Of Major Industries

The distribution of major industries is influenced by the factors discussed earlier (raw materials, markets, labour, power, etc.). Certain industries are concentrated in specific regions due to the availability of these factors.

• Iron and Steel Industry: Concentrated in regions with access to iron ore and coal, such as parts of Eastern India (Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Rourkela), and industrialized nations like USA (Pittsburgh region), Germany, and China.
• Cotton Textile Industry: Traditionally concentrated in areas with good access to cotton and markets. Major centres include Manchester (UK), Ahmedabad and Mumbai (India), and Osaka (Japan).
• Information Technology (IT) Industry: A newer industry that is location-independent to some extent but tends to concentrate in cities with a skilled workforce, good infrastructure, and favourable government policies. Examples include Silicon Valley (USA), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune (India).
• Automobile Industry: Often located in areas with good transport links, skilled labour, and proximity to markets or other related industries. Examples include Detroit (USA), Wolfsburg (Germany), and Chennai (India).

Iron And Steel Industry

The iron and steel industry is a foundational industry, providing the basic material for many other manufacturing sectors, including machinery, automobiles, construction, and consumer goods. It is often considered the backbone of industrial development.

Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, located in Jharkhand, India, is a prime example of a planned industrial city built around the iron and steel industry. It was established by Jamsetji Tata in 1907 and is home to the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), now Tata Steel. Its location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to raw materials like iron ore (from the Mayurbhanj mines), coal (from Jharia), and limestone, as well as its access to water from the Subarnarekha River.

• Key Features:
• Strategic Location: Close to raw material sources and markets.
• Integrated Operations: TISCO is a fully integrated steel plant, from mining ore to producing finished steel products.
• Planned City: Jamshedpur was planned with infrastructure, residential areas, and amenities for its workers, making it a model industrial city.
• Employment Hub: Provides direct and indirect employment to a large population.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, located in Pennsylvania, USA, is historically renowned as a major centre for the iron and steel industry. Situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which form the Ohio River, it had excellent access to transportation via waterways. The region was rich in coal and iron ore deposits.

• Key Features:
• Transportation Advantage: Excellent river transport network for raw materials and finished goods.
• Proximity to Raw Materials: Located near Appalachian coal fields and iron ore deposits in the Great Lakes region.
• Technological Advancement: Historically a leader in steelmaking technology.
• Transformation: While the steel industry has declined due to global competition and changing economics, Pittsburgh has successfully diversified and transformed into a centre for services, technology, and healthcare. It still retains some steel production and related industries.

Cotton Textile Industry

The cotton textile industry is one of the oldest and most significant manufacturing sectors globally, converting raw cotton into yarn, fabric, and finished garments. It is a major employer and contributes significantly to the economy.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, is a major centre for the cotton textile industry, often referred to as the 'Manchester of India'. Its development was aided by several factors:

• Key Features:
• Availability of Raw Material: Proximity to cotton-growing regions of Gujarat.
• Climate: Favourable humid climate for spinning and weaving (though now managed with air conditioning).
• Skilled Labour: Availability of experienced workforce.
• Market Access: Good transport links to major markets.
• Entrepreneurship: Early establishment of mills and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Transport Links: Good connectivity for bringing raw materials and distributing finished products.

Osaka

Osaka in Japan is another significant global centre for the cotton textile industry, often called the 'Manchester of Japan'. Its growth was driven by strategic advantages:

• Key Features:
• Access to Raw Cotton: Initially imported from India, Egypt, and the USA.
• Good Transport Network: Excellent port facilities and railway network for importing raw materials and exporting finished goods.
• Skilled Labour and Technology: Adoption of advanced technology and development of skilled labour made it competitive globally.
• Market Access: Proximity to domestic and international markets.