Part of: West Bengal Gk set 21

Being a tidal port, Kolkata requires constant dredging of .....

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the river that flows through Kolkata and connects it to the Bay of Bengal.

Correct Answer: A) Hugli

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Kolkata, located in the eastern part of India, is a major port city that relies heavily on its maritime connections for trade and commerce. The city's port is situated on the Hugli River, which is a distributary of the Ganga River. The Hugli River is crucial for the port's operations as it provides the navigable waterway that connects Kolkata to the Bay of Bengal.

Being a tidal port, Kolkata's port experiences the effects of tidal movements, which can lead to the accumulation of sediment in the river channel. This sedimentation can reduce the depth of the waterway, making it difficult for ships to navigate. Therefore, regular dredging is necessary to maintain the required depth for safe and efficient maritime operations.

The Hugli River is the primary waterway for Kolkata's port, and it is this river that requires constant dredging. The process of dredging involves the removal of sediment from the riverbed to maintain a navigable channel. This is essential for the port's functionality, as it ensures that ships can enter and leave the port without running aground.

It is important to note that while the Ganga is a significant river in the region, it is not the direct waterway for Kolkata's port. The Hugli, as a distributary of the Ganga, is the river that flows through Kolkata and connects it to the Bay of Bengal. The other rivers mentioned, such as the Mahanadi and the Brahmaputra, are not directly related to Kolkata's port operations.

In summary, the Hugli River is the key waterway for Kolkata's port, and due to the tidal nature of the port, it requires constant dredging to maintain navigable depths. This ensures that the port can continue to function effectively and support the city's maritime activities.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. The Hugli River is the primary waterway for Kolkata's port, and due to sedimentation, it requires constant dredging to maintain navigable depths.
  • Option B: Incorrect. While the Ganga is a significant river, it is not the direct waterway for Kolkata's port. The Hugli, a distributary of the Ganga, is the river that requires dredging.
  • Option C: Incorrect. The Mahanadi is a river in Odisha and is not related to Kolkata's port operations.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Brahmaputra is a major river in Assam and does not connect to Kolkata's port.

Mnemonic: Hugli for Kolkata, like a highway for boats.

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