Which river is known as the "sorrow" of West Bengal?a)Indus riverb)Br...
Damodar River was earlier known as the "River of Sorrows"as it used to flood many areas of Bardhaman, Hooghly, Howrah and Medinipur districts. Even now the floods sometimes affect the lower Damodar Valley, but the havoc it wreaked in earlier years is now a matter of history.
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Which river is known as the "sorrow" of West Bengal?a)Indus riverb)Br...
The correct answer is option 'D', Damodar river.
The Damodar river, also known as the "sorrow" of West Bengal, is a major river in the eastern part of India. It flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal before joining the Hooghly River, which eventually merges with the Bay of Bengal. The Damodar river is often referred to as the "sorrow" of West Bengal due to its devastating floods and frequent changing course over the years.
Key Points:
1. Damodar River: The Damodar river originates from the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand and flows for around 592 kilometers before joining the Hooghly River. It passes through several districts of Jharkhand and West Bengal, including Dhanbad, Bardhaman, and Howrah.
2. Flooding: The Damodar river is prone to severe flooding, especially during the monsoon season. The river receives heavy rainfall, and the water level rises rapidly, causing floods in the surrounding areas. The floods have resulted in significant loss of life and damage to property over the years.
3. Changing Course: The Damodar river is notorious for its changing course. Due to its high sediment load and steep gradient, the river frequently shifts its path, leading to erosion of riverbanks and destruction of nearby villages and agricultural fields.
4. Damodar Valley: The Damodar river and its tributaries form the Damodar Valley, which is an important industrial and agricultural region in eastern India. The valley is known for its coal reserves, and several coal mines are located along the banks of the river.
5. Damodar Valley Corporation: To mitigate the flooding and harness the potential of the Damodar river for irrigation and power generation, the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was formed in 1948. The DVC has constructed several multipurpose dams, reservoirs, and canals to manage water resources in the region.
In conclusion, the Damodar river, also known as the "sorrow" of West Bengal, is notorious for its devastating floods and frequent changing course. Despite the challenges it poses, the river also plays a crucial role in the industrial and agricultural development of the Damodar Valley region.
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