Explanations:The question asks about the port that serves a very large and rich hinterland of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin. To understand this, we need to consider the geographical and economic context of the region. The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is a vast area that includes parts of India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is known for its fertile land and significant agricultural and industrial activities, making it a rich hinterland.
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is a major port that serves this region. The port of Kolkata is strategically located at the mouth of the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. This location makes it an important gateway for trade and commerce, connecting the hinterland of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin to the rest of the world. The port handles a significant volume of cargo, including agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods from the region.
The hinterland of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is economically significant due to its agricultural productivity and industrial development. The region is known for its production of rice, jute, and other crops, as well as its industrial centers that produce textiles, steel, and other goods. The port of Kolkata plays a crucial role in facilitating the export of these products and the import of raw materials and machinery needed for the industries in the region.
While other ports like Haldia, Paradwip, and Chennai are important in their own right, they do not serve the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin as comprehensively as Kolkata does. Haldia is a subsidiary port to Kolkata and primarily serves the immediate vicinity. Paradwip is located in Odisha and does not serve the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin. Chennai is a major port in Tamil Nadu and is not located in the region of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.
Therefore, the correct answer is Kolkata, as it is the port that serves the vast and rich hinterland of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.