Which one among the following statements regarding India's coal is not correct ?

Statement 3 is incorrect because bituminous coal is primarily associated with the Gondwana period, while Tertiary coal is predominantly lignite (brown coal) [6]. Gondwana coal, which accounts for approximately 98% of India's total reserves, is mainly bituminous or anthracite with carbon content ranging from 60% to 90% [3]. In contrast, Tertiary coal is much younger (15 to 60 million years old) and is characterized as low-grade lignite with high moisture and lower carbon content (30% to 50%) [6]. Statement 1 is correct as Gondwana rocks hold about 98% of reserves [1]. Statement 2 is accurate as geological surveys indicate coal-bearing sequences exist beneath the Deccan Trap and Ganga alluvium. Statement 4 is also correct, as major Gondwana coalfields are concentrated in the Damodar, Mahanadi, and Godavari river valleys [4].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Classification > p. 1
2. [5] https://mlsu.ac.in/econtents/1895_Distribution%20of%20Coal%20&%20Petroleum%20in%20India.pdf
3. [6] http://www.rammohancollege.ac.in/images/Study%20Materials/Geography/DSE_B%2004_TOPIC_6_%20MINING%20AND%20ENERGY%20RESOURCES%20IN%20INDIA.pdf
4. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE MESOZOIC ERA (THE GONDWANA SYSTEM) > p. 16
5. [2] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Coal > p. 59
6. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 5. Gondwana System > p. 51