Facts about Farakka Barrage

Location:

• The Farakka Barrage is located in Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India.

Purpose:

• The primary objective of the barrage is to increase the water flow in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, aiding navigation and flushing silt from the Kolkata Port.
• It also plays a role in irrigation and controlling floods in the region.

Year of Completion:

• Construction of the Farakka Barrage was completed in 1975.

River:

• It is built on the Ganga River.

Length of the Barrage:

• The barrage is approximately 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) long, making it one of the longest barrages in India.

Feeder Canal:

• A 38.38 km long feeder canal was constructed to divert water from the Ganga to the Bhagirathi River.

International Significance:

• The barrage has geopolitical importance as it is located near the India-Bangladesh border.
• The Indo-Bangladesh Treaty (1996) regulates the sharing of water from the Ganga River during the dry season.

Impact on Navigation:

• It has improved the navigation system of the Hooghly River, which is critical for trade and commerce, especially for the Kolkata Port.

Hydropower Generation:

• While the main focus is irrigation and water management, there is also potential for small-scale hydropower generation.

Environmental Challenges:

• The barrage has faced criticism for causing siltation, displacement, and ecological disturbances in the area.

Detailed Analysis of Farakka Barrage

1. Historical Context

The idea for constructing the Farakka Barrage originated in 1951 to address the problem of silt accumulation in the Kolkata Port, which was a vital trade hub during British rule and remains important for India’s economy.

The actual construction began in 1961, and the barrage became operational in 1975.

It was an ambitious project of post-independence India aimed at reviving the declining Kolkata Port, which was losing significance due to the reduced navigability of the Hooghly River.

2. Primary Objectives

The Farakka Barrage was constructed to achieve several purposes:

Improving Kolkata Port: By ensuring an increased water flow in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, the barrage prevents the silting of the port and aids navigation.

Irrigation: It provides water for irrigation in West Bengal and nearby regions.

Flood Management: The barrage helps in controlling floods in the lower Ganga Basin.

Water Diversion: It diverts water to the Bhagirathi-Hooghly system through the feeder canal for enhanced navigability and agriculture.

3. Geopolitical Significance

The barrage is located just 16.5 km from the Bangladesh border, making it an essential structure for water sharing between India and Bangladesh.

Ganga Water Treaty (1996): This agreement, signed between India and Bangladesh, ensures equitable sharing of water during the dry season (January to May).

It has been a point of tension, as Bangladesh often accuses India of retaining excessive water, leading to reduced flow downstream and ecological damage in Bangladesh.

4. Environmental and Ecological Impact

Siltation: One of the most significant criticisms of the Farakka Barrage is the increased silt deposition in the Ganga. This has led to reduced water flow and the creation of sandbars, affecting the navigability and aquatic life.

Flooding: The barrage has worsened flooding in upstream regions during the monsoon season due to water retention.

Impact on Fisheries: The barrage has disrupted the natural flow of the river, affecting fish migration and breeding patterns, especially for species like Hilsa, which is economically important for the region.

Displacement: Construction of the barrage and feeder canals led to the displacement of local communities, with many still awaiting adequate rehabilitation.

5. Socioeconomic Impact

Positive Impact:

• It has revived the Kolkata Port as a critical center for trade and commerce.
• Improved irrigation facilities have benefited farmers in West Bengal and neighboring areas.

Negative Impact:

• Communities dependent on fishing have been severely affected.
• Increased siltation has caused waterlogging in some regions, reducing agricultural productivity.

6. Technical Challenges

The barrage faces persistent issues with siltation, which reduces its efficiency and lifespan.

Maintenance costs have increased significantly over the years due to sediment deposition.

Over the decades, the feeder canal has suffered wear and tear, requiring frequent desilting to maintain proper water flow.

7. Controversies

India-Bangladesh Relations: Bangladesh has consistently argued that the barrage reduces water availability downstream, particularly during the dry season, leading to desertification in certain areas of the country.

Internal Disputes: States like Bihar and Jharkhand have criticized the barrage for causing backwater flooding and loss of fertile land.

8. Current Status and Way Forward

The barrage remains operational and continues to play a critical role in navigation and irrigation.

To address challenges:

• De-silting operations need to be enhanced to maintain its efficiency.
• Alternatives like multi-purpose dams upstream are being considered to manage silt and water flow better.
• International cooperation with Bangladesh is crucial to address ecological and geopolitical concerns.

Farakka Barrage

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