Naharkatiya, one of the important oil fields of India, is located in which state?

Introduction / Context:
The discovery and location of oil fields are crucial aspects of India's economic and industrial geography. Naharkatiya is one of the early and important oil producing areas that contributed to the growth of the petroleum industry in India. Knowing in which state it is located helps link natural resources with regional development in the north east.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The oil field in question is Naharkatiya. • Four states are listed: Tripura, West Bengal, Assam and Madhya Pradesh. • The question asks you to select the correct state in which Naharkatiya oil fields are situated.

Concept / Approach:
Naharkatiya is a well known oil field in the Dibrugarh district region of Assam, part of the oil rich belt of upper Assam. Along with Digboi and Moran, it forms an important cluster of oil fields discovered and developed in the twentieth century. Assam has historically been a major centre of onshore crude oil production in India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Digboi, Naharkatiya and Moran are all names associated with oil fields in Assam. Step 2: Recognise that Tripura and West Bengal have some energy resources, but they are not commonly associated with the specific name Naharkatiya. Step 3: Note that Madhya Pradesh has other mineral resources and some hydrocarbon prospects but does not host the Naharkatiya oil field. Step 4: Based on this, select Assam as the correct state.

Verification / Alternative check:
Maps of India showing oil and natural gas fields clearly place Naharkatiya in upper Assam, within the north eastern region of India. Petroleum industry histories and geography textbooks also repeatedly mention Naharkatiya as an Assam oil field, frequently together with Digboi and Moran.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Tripura) has discovered natural gas fields and some petroleum potential, but Naharkatiya is not located there. Option B (West Bengal) is associated with coalfields and the Haldia refinery but not with the Naharkatiya oil field. Option D (Madhya Pradesh) is centrally located and has important mineral resources, but it does not contain this particular oil producing area.

Common Pitfalls:
• Students sometimes confuse different oil field names in the north east and mark Tripura or West Bengal based on recent gas discoveries. • Others may only remember Digboi and forget that Naharkatiya is another Assamese field, so regular revision of all major field names is helpful.

Final Answer:
Naharkatiya oil fields are located in Assam.