Part of: West Bengal Gk set 38

Which among the following places is the eastern most point of the Ganga river in West Bengal

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical layout of the Ganga river as it flows through West Bengal.

Correct Answer: D) Farraka

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

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Ganga river, one of the most significant rivers in India, originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and flows through several states before reaching the Bay of Bengal. In West Bengal, the Ganga river's easternmost point is at Farraka, a town located in the Malda district. This location is crucial for understanding the geographical layout of the river as it flows through the state.

Devaprayag, mentioned in Option A, is a significant confluence point in Uttarakhand where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga. This point is far upstream and not relevant to the easternmost point in West Bengal. Similarly, Allahabad, mentioned in Option B, is a confluence point in Uttar Pradesh where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. This location is also not the easternmost point of the Ganga in West Bengal.

Option C, Bhagirati, refers to a tributary of the Ganga that originates in the Himalayas. While it is part of the Ganga river system, it is not the easternmost point of the Ganga in West Bengal. The Bhagirati merges with the Alaknanda at Devaprayag to form the Ganga, and thus, it is not relevant to the easternmost point in West Bengal.

Farraka, the correct answer, is the easternmost point of the Ganga river in West Bengal. It is located in the Malda district and is significant for several reasons. At Farraka, the Ganga splits into two major distributaries: the Hooghly (or Bhagirathi-Hooghly) and the Padma. The Hooghly flows through West Bengal and eventually meets the Bay of Bengal, while the Padma flows into Bangladesh. The Farraka Barrage, a major water diversion project, is also located here, which plays a crucial role in water management and irrigation.

Understanding the geographical layout of the Ganga river is essential for various competitive examinations, particularly those focusing on geography and environmental studies. The easternmost point of the Ganga in West Bengal is a specific geographical feature that helps in comprehending the river's course and its impact on the region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Devaprayag is incorrect because it is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which form the Ganga, located in Uttarakhand, not in West Bengal.
  • Option B: Allahabad is incorrect because it is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Uttar Pradesh, not the easternmost point in West Bengal.
  • Option C: Bhagirati is incorrect because it is a tributary of the Ganga, originating in the Himalayas, and not the easternmost point of the Ganga in West Bengal.
  • Option D: Farraka is correct because it is the easternmost point of the Ganga river in West Bengal, where it meets the Hooghly River before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Mnemonic: FAR for Farraka, as it is the farthest east in West Bengal.

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