Which of the following port is confronted with the problem of silt accumulation in the Hugli River?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: Kolkata Port.
Explanation:
Kolkata Port (now known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port) is India's only major riverine port, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. For several years, this port has been grappling with the severe problem of siltation (accumulation of silt) in the Hooghly River. The accumulation of silt reduces the depth of the river, making it difficult for large vessels to enter. To address this issue, the government is compelled to incur heavy expenditure on continuous dredging (the process of removing silt from the riverbed).
Additional Facts:
- Establishment: It is India's oldest major port, originally constructed by the British.
- Subsidiary Port: Haldia Port has been developed as a subsidiary complex to alleviate the pressure on Kolkata Port and to provide deep-water facilities for larger vessels.
- Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin: This port provides trade services to the entire eastern and north-eastern regions of India, as well as to landlocked countries such as Nepal and Bhutan.
- Farakka Barrage: The Farakka Barrage was constructed to help increase the water flow in the Hooghly River and to assist in clearing the silt.
Potential Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: Which is India's only major 'riverine port'?
Answer: Kolkata Port.
Question: What has Kolkata Port been recently renamed?
Answer: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port.
Question: Which barrage was constructed to ensure a continuous flow of water in the Hooghly River?
Answer: Farakka Barrage.