Question
Mention the five factors that control the location of industries.
Solution
Location of industries are influenced by the following factors:
1. Raw Material : Industries use weight losing raw material are located in the source of the region of the raw materials. Such as sugar industry in India is located in the sugarcane growing areas of northern plains or southern states.
2. Power : Power provides the motive force for machines and therefore it is ensured before the location of any industry. Coal, mineral oil and hydel power are three power resources. Most of the industries tend to concentrate at the source of power. Like aluminium and iron and steel industries tend to be located near the source of power because they require huge quantum of electricity or power.
3. Labour : Labour supply is important in two respects : (a) workers in the large number (b) people with skill or technical expertise are needed. Modern industries still require, large number of workers and mechanisation.
4. Transport : Transport is essential for the regular supply of raw material and for the marketing of the finished goods. Industries tend to concentrate in Mumbai and around in Kolkata and Chennai.
5. Market : Market also exerts influences on industrial location in the country. Heavy machinery industries, chemical industries etc. are located the industrial areas because their products are demanded by other industries of the region.
