In which Indian state is the important Korba coalfield located?

Introduction / Context:
Coalfields are critical for understanding the geography of energy resources in India. Korba coalfield is one of the most important coal producing regions and frequently appears in examination questions on Indian geography and economy. Knowing which state it is located in helps you connect coal production with nearby thermal power plants and heavy industries. Such questions test your ability to link key resource locations with their corresponding states.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks specifically about the location of Korba coalfield.
• Options include Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
• Korba is also known for major thermal power projects and aluminium industry.
• We assume the present state boundaries where Korba lies in Chhattisgarh.

Concept / Approach:
Korba is a coal rich region in central India. After the reorganisation of states, it became part of Chhattisgarh, which was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. The Korba coalfield supplies coal to several large thermal power stations located in and around the region. Other major coalfields, such as Raniganj, are located in West Bengal and Jharkhand, while Talcher lies in Odisha. None of these, however, share the name Korba. Therefore, the correct approach is to recall that Korba is linked with Chhattisgarh, not with Odisha, West Bengal or Assam.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the map of coalfields in India and locate Korba in central India.Step 2: Remember that Chhattisgarh is a major coal producing state that contains Korba and several power plants.Step 3: Note that Odisha and West Bengal have their own well known coalfields but not Korba.Step 4: Eliminate the incorrect options and select Chhattisgarh as the correct state.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify your answer by thinking about associated industries. The National Thermal Power Corporation operates large power projects in the Korba region, and these are widely described as being in Chhattisgarh. Maps in school level geography books also place Korba within the boundaries of Chhattisgarh. West Bengal is more commonly associated with Raniganj coalfield, and Odisha with Talcher and Ib Valley, which supports the conclusion that Korba belongs to Chhattisgarh.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Odisha, is wrong in this context because while Odisha is a coal producing state, the famous coalfields there have different names. Option B, West Bengal, is associated with coalfields like Raniganj, not Korba. Option D, Assam, is known for oil and tea and has some coal, but Korba is not located there. Only option C correctly identifies Chhattisgarh as the state where Korba coalfield is situated.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different coalfield names or assume that any coal related question about eastern or central India must refer to Odisha or West Bengal. Another pitfall is neglecting to update state locations after changes in state boundaries. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to keep a short list of major coalfields and their corresponding states and revise it before examinations, especially focusing on states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal.

Final Answer:
The Korba coalfield is located in the state of Chhattisgarh.