Part of: West Bengal Gk set 5

Besides flooding what happens to the old canals in Kolkata when it rains too much?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the common issues faced by urban drainage systems during heavy rainfall.

Correct Answer: B) Garbage clogs them.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Urban areas, particularly those with a history of flooding, such as Kolkata, face significant challenges during heavy rainfall. One of the primary issues is the clogging of canals and drainage systems with garbage. This phenomenon is a direct result of inadequate waste management and the accumulation of debris during rain events.

When it rains heavily in Kolkata, the canals that are part of the city's drainage system can become overwhelmed. The excess water, combined with the garbage that has accumulated in and around the canals, can lead to blockages. These blockages prevent the proper flow of water, which can result in flooding and other environmental issues. The garbage that clogs the canals can include plastic waste, organic matter, and other debris that is washed into the waterways during rain events.

The clogging of canals with garbage is a significant environmental and public health concern. It can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, as stagnant water provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. Additionally, the pollution of the canals can affect the quality of the water, which can have broader ecological impacts on the local environment.

It is important to understand that the clogging of canals with garbage is a common issue in many urban areas, particularly those with inadequate waste management systems. In the context of Kolkata, this issue is exacerbated by the city's geography and the frequency of heavy rainfall events. Effective waste management and drainage system improvements are crucial to mitigating these problems and ensuring the safety and well-being of the city's residents.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. While it might seem plausible that people could swim in canals during heavy rainfall, this is not a common or safe practice in urban areas like Kolkata, where canals are often polluted and dangerous.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Heavy rainfall in Kolkata often leads to the clogging of canals with garbage, which exacerbates flooding and drainage issues. This is a significant environmental and public health concern in the city.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Jet skiing in urban canals is not a common or feasible activity due to the narrowness of the canals and the presence of garbage and other debris, making it dangerous and impractical.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Planting rice in urban canals is not a practical or common practice. Rice cultivation requires specific conditions and is typically done in rural areas, not in the urban canals of Kolkata.

Mnemonic: GAR: Garbage Accumulates, Rainfall

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