Complete Geography Notes on Natural resources of Bihar for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Geography-8
Here is a comprehensive explanation of the topic “Natural Resources of Bihar” – an optional but important area for BPSC Prelims, especially in Geography, Economy, and Environment-related questions.
This section includes:
- Minerals
- Water Resources
- Irrigation and Hydro-power Potential
Natural Resources of Bihar
1. Mineral Resources in Bihar
Though Bihar lost a large portion of its mineral-rich areas to Jharkhand post-2000 bifurcation, southern Bihar (especially plateau and hill regions) still contains important minerals like limestone, mica, quartz, pyrite, and bauxite.
Major Minerals and Locations
| Mineral | Key Districts | Uses |
| Limestone | Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad | Cement industry, construction |
| Mica | Gaya, Nawada | Electronics, insulation |
| Quartz | Gaya, Jamui | Glass industry |
| Pyrite | Rohtas | Sulphur and fertilizers |
| Granite & Building Stones | Kaimur, Rohtas | Construction, tiles |
| China Clay (Kaolin) | Bhagalpur | Ceramics and pottery |
| Graphite (small deposits) | Jamui | Lubricants, batteries |
| Silica Sand | Rohtas, Buxar | Glass making |
BPSC Relevance:
- Limestone reserves in Rohtas support Dalmia Cement and other plants
- Bihar State Mineral Development Corporation (BSMDC) manages mineral concessions and mining leases
Challenges:
- Illegal mining and environmental degradation
- Poor exploration and technology
2. Water Resources of Bihar
Bihar is well-endowed with water resources, thanks to its dense river network, monsoonal rainfall, and groundwater aquifers.
Major Surface Water Resources:
- Ganga River System and its tributaries:
- Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, Sone, Punpun, Phalgu
- Canals and Lakes:
- Sone Canal System
- Gandak Canal Project
- Kosi Project
Rainfall:
- Annual Average: ~1,100 to 1,400 mm
- Concentrated during monsoon months (June–September)
Groundwater Resources:
- Rich alluvial soil of North Bihar supports high groundwater table
- High potential for borewell-based irrigation
BPSC Points to Remember:
- Despite rich water resources, floods (North Bihar) and drought (South Bihar) coexist due to poor water management
- Ganga Waterway (NW-1): A national water transport route (Haldia–Allahabad stretch)
3. Irrigation and Hydro-power Potential
A. Irrigation Potential
| Source | Features |
| Canal Irrigation | Sone Canal, Gandak Canal, Kosi Project |
| Tube Wells | Common in South Bihar |
| Wells and Ponds | Traditional irrigation, now declining |
| Lift Irrigation | Used in water-scarce hilly areas |
Irrigation Coverage (as per Bihar Economic Survey 2023):
- Net irrigated area: ~56% of total cultivable land
- Government aims to expand via:
- Har Khet Ko Pani (PMKSY)
- Piped irrigation schemes
B. Hydro-power Potential
Bihar has limited hydro-power generation, but certain areas show potential for micro-hydro and canal-based generation.
| Project | River | Location | Capacity |
| Indrapuri Barrage | Sone | Rohtas | Small hydro potential |
| Kosi Hydro Project | Kosi | Supaul | Proposed |
| Durgawati Reservoir Project | Karamnasha | Kaimur | Ongoing irrigation & hydro use |
- Bihar receives hydro-power from national grids and neighboring states (Jharkhand, Nepal-based transmission)
- Non-conventional water energy is also being explored (solar-hybrid with water pumps)
Quick Revision Table: Natural Resources of Bihar
| Category | Key Resource | Locations | Relevance |
| Minerals | Limestone, Mica, Quartz | Rohtas, Gaya, Jamui | Cement, Electronics, Glass |
| Water | Ganga, Sone, Kosi, Gandak | Entire State | Irrigation, drinking, flood/drought |
| Irrigation | Canals, Tube Wells | Sone Canal (South), Gandak Canal (North) | Major support to agriculture |
| Hydro-power | Indrapuri, Kosi Project | Rohtas, Supaul | Limited but emerging |
Likely BPSC Prelims MCQs
| Question | Answer |
| Major limestone district in Bihar? | Rohtas |
| Canal system from Sone River? | Sone Canal System |
| River with hydro-potential in western Bihar? | Sone |
| District with mica deposits? | Gaya |
| River with highest flood potential? | Kosi |
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