Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 8 West Bengal: WBBSE Class 9 Geography (English medium). However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
| Select medium |
| English medium notes |
| Bengali medium notes |
Summary
West Bengal is a state in eastern India. It was once much larger. After India became independent in 1947, Bengal was divided. The eastern part became East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. The remaining part was named West Bengal. Over time, its boundaries changed as some areas were added. The state has 20 districts. Kolkata is its capital city. West Bengal shares borders with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and several Indian states. A narrow part of West Bengal in North Dinajpur, only 9 km wide, is called the ‘chicken’s neck’. This name comes from its shape on a map, resembling a chicken’s thin neck connecting larger land areas.
The land of West Bengal has three main parts. In the north are the Darjeeling Himalayan mountains, with high peaks like Sandakfu. The Tista river flows through this region. To the west is a plateau region, an extension of the Chotanagpur plateau, with hills like Ayodhya. The rest of West Bengal is made of plains. The Ganga river divides these plains. North Bengal plains include Terai and Dooars. South Bengal plains have the Rarh region, the fertile Ganga delta, and the Sunderbans with mangrove forests.
Many rivers flow through West Bengal. The Ganga is a major river, which splits into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly in West Bengal and the Padma in Bangladesh. Other important rivers in the north are Tista and Mahananda. In the south, rivers like Damodar and Mayurakshi flow from the western plateau. The climate is hot and wet with monsoons. There are four seasons: summer, rainy, autumn, and winter. The state has different types of soil, like alluvial soil in the plains and lateritic soil in the plateau. Vegetation varies from mountain forests to mangrove forests in the Sunderbans.
Farming is very important. Rice is the main food crop, grown in three seasons. Jute is a major cash crop. Tea from Darjeeling and other areas is famous worldwide. West Bengal also has many industries. Iron and steel are produced in places like Durgapur. Jute and cotton mills have a long history. Food processing, tourism, and information technology are growing industries. Many small-scale and cottage industries also provide work to people, making items like handloom cloth and pottery.
Textual Questions, Answers (Oriental)
Objective type questions (MCQs)
1. According to area, West Bengal’s position in India is—
(a) 7th
(b) 10th
(c) 13th
(d) 15th
Answer: (c) 13th
2. Present number of districts in West Bengal is
(a) 18
(b) 19
(c) 20
(d) 21
Answer: (c) 20
3. Largest neighbouring country of West Bengal is
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Nepal
(c) Bhutan
(d) Sikkim
Answer: (a) Bangladesh
4. The neighbouring state of West Bengal which houses the ‘resource centre’ of India is
(a) Bihar
(b) Jharkhand
(c) Orissa
(d) Tripura
Answer: (b) Jharkhand
5. Highest peak of West Bengal is
(a) Gorgaburu
(b) Jaychandi
(c) Susunia
(d) Sandakfu
Answer: (d) Sandakfu
6. Most important river of North Bengal is
(a) Jaldhaka
(b) Sankosh
(c) Raidhak
(d) Tista
Answer: (d) Tista
7. Wettest place of West Bengal is
(a) Mayureshwar
(b) Buxa Duars
(c) Asansol
(d) Gangajalghanti
Answer: (b) Buxa Duars
8. Main food grain crop of West Bengal
(a) Rice
(b) Wheat
(c) Jowar
(d) Tea
Answer: (a) Rice
9. Pollution caused in West Bengal due to excessive extraction of ground water is
(a) Minamata
(b) Itai Itai
(c) Bird flu
(d) Arsenic
Answer: (d) Arsenic
10. West Bengal’s north-eastern neighbouring country is
(a) Nepal
(b) Bhutan
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Sri Lanka
Answer: (b) Bhutan
Fill in the blanks
1. Southern-most district of West Bengal is ____.
Answer: South 24 Parganas
2. Capital of Nepal is ____.
Answer: Kathmandu
3. The newest district of West Bengal is ____.
Answer: Alipurduar
4. Highest peak of Bangladesh is ____.
Answer: Keokradonyg
5. Highest peak of plateau region of West Bengal is ____.
Answer: Gorgaburu
6. ____ Is called the region of endless seasons of West Bengal.
Answer: West Bengal
7. ____ is the most important beverage crop of West Bengal.
Answer: Tea
8. Durgapur is famous for ____ industry.
Answer: Iron and Steel
9. ____ of Bankura is famous for Baluchari sarees and terracota work.
Answer: Bishnupur
10. ____ of Nadia district is famous for clay art and pottery.
Answer: Krishnanagar
Answer in brief
1. Name the largest district of West Bengal and its administrative town.
Answer: South 24 Parganas is the largest district in West Bengal by area, covering 9,960 square kilometres. The administrative headquarters of South 24 Parganas is Alipore.
2. Name 2 iron and steel centres of West Bengal.
Answer: Two Integrated iron and steel centres in West Bengal are at Burnpur-Hirapur-Kulti and Durgapur.
3. What is ‘Barendra’ land?
Answer: Barendra bhumi refers to the slightly undulating laterite and old silt high plains present in South Dinajpur and eastern Maldah.
4. Why is Durgapur called ‘the Ruhr of Bengal’?
Answer: Durgapur is known as the ‘Rurh of India’.
5. Name 2 river ports of West Bengal.
Answer: Two river ports of West Bengal are the Port of Kolkata, also known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, located in Kolkata, and Haldia Port, located in Haldia.
6. Name 1 thermal power station and 1 hydel power station of West Bengal.
Answer: One thermal power station is Kolaghat thermal power station, and one hydel power station is located at the Maithan dam of the DVC.
7. Name 2 famous waterfalls of West Bengal.
Answer: Two famous waterfalls in West Bengal are the Brahmani waterfalls on the Brahmani river and Turga falls.
8. Name 2 reserved forests of north Bengal.
Answer: Two reserved forests of north Bengal are the Buxa tiger reserve and the Jaldapara Reserve forest.
9. Name 2 irrigation canals of West Bengal.
Answer: Two irrigation canals of West Bengal are the Midnapore Canal and the Moutorejore Medium Irrigation Project.
10. Which dam project of north Bengal, and on which river is the largest one in West Bengal?
Answer: The Tista is the greatest and largest river of north Bengal.
Essay type questions
Answer in brief
1. Name the largest district of West Bengal and its administrative town.
Answer:
2. Name 2 iron and steel centres of West Bengal.
Answer: Two Integrated iron and steel centres in West Bengal are at Burnpur-Hirapur-Kulti and Durgapur.
3. What is ‘Barendra’ land?
Answer: Barendra bhumi refers to the slightly undulating laterite and old silt high plains present in South Dinajpur and eastern Maldah.
4. Why is Durgapur called ‘the Ruhr of Bengal’?
Answer: Durgapur is known as the ‘Rurh of India’.
5. Name 2 river ports of West Bengal.
Answer:
6. Name 1 thermal power station and 1 hydel power station of West Bengal.
Answer: One thermal power station is Kolaghat thermal power station, and one hydel power station is located at the Maithan dam of the DVC.
7. Name 2 famous waterfalls of West Bengal.
Answer: Two famous waterfalls in West Bengal are the Brahmani waterfalls on the Brahmani river and Turga falls.
8. Name 2 reserved forests of north Bengal.
Answer: Two reserved forests of north Bengal are the Buxa tiger reserve and the Jaldapara Reserve forest.
9. Name 2 irrigation canals of West Bengal.
Answer:
10. Which dam project of north Bengal, and on which river is the largest one in West Bengal ?
Answer: The Tista is the greatest and largest river of north Bengal.
Essay Type Questions
1. Name the main administrative divisions of West Bengal, the districts under each division and their administrative towns.
Answer: Presently West Bengal comprises 20 districts under 3 administrative divisions. The districts and their district towns are shown below:
Presidency division
- District: 1. Kolkata, District town: Kolkata
- District: 2. North 24 Paraganas, District town: Barasat
- District: 3. South 24 Parganas, District town: Baruipur
- District: 4. Nadia, District town: Krishnanagar
- District: 5. Murshidabad, District town: Berhampore
- District: 6. Howrah, District town: Howrah
- District: 7. Birbhum, District town: Suri
Bardhaman division
- District: 8. Purulia, District town: Purulia
- District: 9. East Bardhaman, District town: Bardhaman
- District: 10. West Bardhaman, District town: Asonsol
- District: 11. Bankura, District town: Bankura
- District: 12. West Medinipur, District town: Medinipur
- District: 13. East Medinipur, District town: Tamluk
- District: 14. Jhargram, District town: Jhargram
Jalpaiguri division
- District: 15. Hooghly, District town: Chinsura
- District: 16. Maldah, District town: English Bazar
- District: 17. North Dinajpur, District town: Raiganj
- District: 18. South Dinajpur, District town: Balurghat
- District: 19. Darjeeling, District town: Darjeeling
- District: 20. Jalpaiguri, District town: Jalpaiguri
- District: 21. Kochbihar, District town: Kochbihar
- District: 22. Alipurduar, District town: Alipurduar
- District: 23. Kalimpang, District town: Kalimpang
2. Describe the mountainous region of West Bengal in brief.
Answer: The Northern Darjeeling-Himalayan Region comprises almost the whole of Darjeeling district (except Siliguri sub-division) and the north-eastern part of Jalpaiguri district, especially Kumaragram and Kalchini police station region. Rough terrain, deep gorges, steep slopes and sharp ridges are the main characteristics of this region. The average altitude of the region is 2,600 m. The region rises steeply northward from the Terai region, and the general slope is from north to south.
The river Tista divides the region into 2 parts: (a) Mountainous region on the Western part of Tista and (b) Mountainous region on the eastern part of Tista.
(a) The mountainous region on the western part of the Tista is the highest part of the entire mountainous region of the north, in West Bengal. It extends from Nepal in the west to the Tista river in the east. Here lie the 2 main mountains ranges of the Darjeeling Himalayas: (i) The Singalila range, which runs from the border of Sikkim and Darjeeling district in the north to the border of Nepal in the west, separating Darjeeling district from Nepal. Main peaks exceeding 3,000m here are Sandakfu (3,630m, the highest peak of West Bengal), Falut (3,595m), Sabargram (3,543m) and Tanglu (3,036m). (ii) The Darjeeling ridge (also known as the Ghoom range) rises steeply from the Terai region northwards. Ghoom (2,247m) is the highest located railway station of India. The main peak of this ridge is Tiger Hill (2,567m), from where spreads 3 mountain ranges: Darjeeling-Lebong ridge, Takda-Peshak ridge, and Bagdogra-Dowhill ridge. Sinchal (2,615m) is an important peak of the Darjeeling ridge.
(b) The mountainous region on the eastern part of Tista has a lower average height. Kalimpong is situated here. Pedong is located here. Durbindara and Chola are 2 main ridges present here. Rishila (3,121m) of Durbindara is the highest region. The northern border region of Jalpaiguri district contains the peaks of Sinchula (1,800m), Renigango (1,885m) and Lower Sinchula (1,726m). To the eastern side lies the Buxa hills (623m) and Jayanti hills (498-737m). Sangchu Li is the highest peak of Buxa.
3. Describe the western plateau region of West Bengal in brief.
Answer: The Western Plateau region comprises the entire Purulia, West Medinipur, Bardhaman, Birbhum and western part of Bankura districts. This region is basically made of granite and gneiss and is an extended part of the Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand. Presently this region has been reduced to an undulating plateau or highly eroded plain by different agents of erosion. This region occupies about 6% of the total area of West Bengal.
According to geology, physical environment, soil, landform, etc., this region has been divided into 2 parts: (a) Ayodhya plateau region and (b) Purulia highland region.
(a) The Ayodhya Plateau region lies between the Subarnarekha and Kangsabati rivers of Purulia district. This is a continuation of the Ranchi plateau of Jharkhand, mainly made of granite, gneiss and schist rocks. The region extends 21km east-west and 10km north-south. Many hills with steep slopes, called monadnocks (locally known as ‘Dungri’), are seen here. Gorgaburu (677m) is the highest peak of the plateau region. Other hills include Panchet, Bhandari, Jabarban, Mackenly, Rabancha, Chamta, Parasha, Baghmundi, Taldungri, Gurma and Bhanbara. Rivers flowing west to east create waterfalls like the Brahmani waterfalls.
(b) The Purulia highlands region spreads from the Subarnarekha river in the west to the Gori river (tributary of Damodar river). This highland can be divided into 3 parts: (i) Birbhum highlands in the south: Lies in the southernmost part of Purulia district, spreading up to West Medinipur. The terrain is rough, undulating with residual hills like Belpahari and Thakuran. The general slope is west to east, with altitude lower than 100m in the east. Coarse, grainy laterite soil is found. (ii) Purulia highland: Lies in the eastern part of Ayodhya plateau, with an average altitude around 300m. Hills include Panchet, Bhandari, Bero hill, Garh Panchakot, Jaichandi, Kalaichandi, etc. (iii) Susunia highlands in the north-east: Lies near the western plateau, reducing to a plain over Birbhum, Bankura and eastern Bardhaman. Few rocky humps like Mama-Vagne hills and Mathurkhali (Birbhum); Biharinath (452m), Susunia (440m) and Koro hills (Bankura) are seen. Residual rock blocks and vast boulder-areas are found near Gangajalghanti and Durlabhpur. East of Sonamukhi is an undulating terrain of lateritic rocks, including the rocky heap Karasoli (around 100m altitude).
4. Describe the river system of north Bengal.
Answer: The rivers of North Bengal can be described as follows:
(1) Tista: This is the greatest and largest river of north Bengal. It rises from the joint flow of river Lachen of Tibet and river Lachung of Sikkim, at the height of 6200m. From the source, the Tista flows for 151 km in Sikkim through a deep gorge. It enters West Bengal near Rangpo of West Sikkim border. Here the Rangpo Nala joins with the river Tista. Then the Tista flows below Mongpu through Sebok and enters Jalpaiguri, flowing for only 2km. Then it takes a turn towards south-east, entering Kochbihar and finally leaves West Bengal to join with river Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
(2) Kartowa: This rises near Baikunthapur of Sikkim and enters Bangladesh as river Fuljhur and joins with river Jamuna.
(3) Jaldhaka: This rises from Bidang lake of Sikkim (4425m) as a joint flow of Dichu and Nichu rivers. Small streams like Paba, Langchu, Bangchu, Machu etc also join the main river. The Bindu river joins Jaldhaka at Bindu near Bhutan Darjeeling border. Important tributaries are Murti, Daina, Dudhuya, Mujnai, etc. The river is known by different names in Kochbihar, eg. Singmari, Dankhan, Mujnai, Dharla, Mansai, etc. Of the total course length of 209km, 144km of the river flows through West Bengal.
(4) Torsa: This river originates from Chumbi valley (7060m) of Tibet. Crossing Bhutan, passing by Phuntsiling, The river enters Jalpaiguri near Sadhuram Gram. After that, it passes through Dalgaon, Madarihat, Silbari and Lafabari and enters Kochbihar. It enters Bangladesh near Molaha. Main tributaries of Torsa are Holong, Nalangi, Sunjai, Kala Torsa, etc. Main distributaries are—Char Torsa, Sili Torsa, Bura Torsa, Dharla, etc. Of the total course of 295km, Torsa flows for 99km through West Bengal.
(5) Kaljani: Alaikuri river of Bhutan and Dima river of Alipurduar join together to form river Kalijani. It flows through Alipurduar, Latabari, Mendabari etc. and enters Bangladesh near Jhaukuthi of Kochbihar. Main tributaries are Gadadhar, Dheko, Nenai, etc.
(6) Raidak: This rises from the Chomolahari peak of Bhutan—Tibet border and flows through West Bengal in 2 branches—Raidak 1 and Raidak 2.
(7) Sankosh: This rises from Gangchen peak (6,794m) of Punakha range of north-west Bhutan. In Bhutan, it is known as Pakha chhu. It flows along West Bengal and Assam border before entering Kochbihar, and later enters Bangladesh.
(8) Mahananda: The river Mahanadi flowing through the western part of Darjeeling Himalayas, is known as river Mahananda in the plains. This is the longest river of North Bengal (370km). The main tributaries of the western bank is Kalindi, and that of the eastern bank are Nagon, Tangan, Punarbhaba, etc. Other important tributaries and Balason, Mechi, Kulik, etc.
Key characteristics differentiating North Bengal rivers from South Bengal rivers include being fed by both rain and snow, flowing over mountainous and plain regions, being full of water even in the dry winter season, generally not being navigable throughout their course, flowing southward, and entering Bangladesh to join the Jamuna or Padma rivers.
5. Describe the rivers of West Bengal as a whole.
Answer: West Bengal is a land of numerous rivers, which owe their formation to the snow, covered Himalayas, good amount of rainfall and low landforms. The rivers can be divided into 3 categories:
(1) The Ganga and its distributaries: The Ganga river flows from Gangotri glacier of Garhwal Himalayas as river Bhagirathi. It joins with river Alakananda at Dev Prayag and flowing through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it enters West Bengal near Malda and Murshidabad border. It divides into 2 branches near Giriya of Murshidabad. The main branch enters Bangladesh as the river Padma, while the other part flows southward as river Bhagirathi till its confluence near Sagar islands. In Hooghly district, the river is known as the Hoogly river.
Distributaries of Ganga-Bhagirathi:
(i) Jalangi: Rises from the Padma near Jalangi village near Murshidabad, passes through Nakasipara, Tehatta, Shibpur, Krishnanagar and Mayapur before joining the Bhagirathi. Length is about 215 km.
(ii) Mathabhanga, Churni and Ichhamati: Mathabhanga rises from the Padma, enters Bangladesh after 10km in West Bengal. It divides into Churni and Ichhamati. Churni flows through Nadia and joins the Bhagirathi near Chakadaha. Ichhamati rises near Majhdia, flows through Bongao, Berigopalpur, Tentulia, Basirhat, Taki, Hasnabad, before falling into the Bay of Bengal. Its distributaries are Jamuna, Kodalia, Naobhanga, etc.
(iii) Bhairav: Rising near Akhiriganj of Murshidabad, flows through Andharkot, Karimukhar and Muratia before entering Bangladesh.
(iv) Bidyadhari: Rising from Jamuna river near Haringhata of Nadia, passes through Habra, Deganga, Haroa, Baruipur and Canning before joining the Matla river. Course is 72 km long. The most important distributary is river Piyali.
(2) Rivers of North Bengal: These include major rivers like Tista, Kartowa, Jaldhaka, Torsa, Kaljani, Raidak, Sankosh, and Mahananda. These rivers originate from the Himalayas or associated ranges, are fed by snow and rain, flow southwards, and many enter Bangladesh. They flow through mountainous and plain regions and carry water throughout the year.
(3) Rivers of South Bengal: These rivers can be divided into 3 types:
A. The rain-fed rivers of the western plateau region (West of Bhagirathi-Hooghly): These rivers originate from the Chhotanagpur plateau or similar highlands and are rain-fed, making them non-perennial. They flow eastwards and have a tendency to flood. They are torrential and help in hydel power production. Examples include Banslai, Pagla, Brahmani, Dwarka, Mayurakshi, Ajay, Damodar (longest river of the plateau region, 541km), Silabati (Silai), Rupnarayan (joint flow of Silabati and Dwarakeshwar), Kansabati (Kansai), and Subarnarekha.
B. Rivers of the east bank of Bhagirathi-Hooghly river: The main characteristics are similar to the rain-fed rivers of the western plateau, originating mainly from the Chhotanagpur plateau, being non-perennial, prone to flooding, flowing eastwards, and being torrential.
C. Tidal rivers of the delta region: These rivers flow through the Sunderbans in the southern part of West Bengal, forming deltas. They have disconnected from their original sources and are totally converted to tidal rivers. Examples include Saptamukhi, Piyali, Matla, Thakuran, Gosaba, Bidyadhari, Raymangal, Hariya bhanga, Kalindi, Jhilla, etc. These rivers flow southwards to the Bay of Bengal, are fed by tidal water, are inter-connected by canals, are navigable, and the process of delta formation is still active.
6. Explain the seasonal cycle of West Bengal.
Answer: The climate of West Bengal is hot, wet tropical monsoon type. The seasons keep on changing so fast that due to this diverse climatic characteristics, West Bengal has been designated as the ‘State of endless seasons’. The Indian Meteorological Department divides the climate of West Bengal into 4 seasons:
(a) Summer (March-May): Due to the northward movement of the sun from March, the temperature of West Bengal starts increasing. Excluding the Darjeeling hilly region, the rest of West Bengal becomes quite hot. Average temperature in April is 40-44°C. Asansol is the hottest place. Cyclonic storms called Norwesters (Kalbaisakhi) occur in South Bengal, resulting in few torrential showers of rainfall. During summer, the land gets extremely hot, and adjacent winds also get hot. These winds encounter cool coastal winds and produce thunder and lightning along with torrential rainfall.
(b) Rainy season (June-September): The moisture-laden South-western monsoon winds cause a great amount of rainfall during this time (Average 125-200cm). The maximum rainfall occurs in Buxa-Dooars (455cm), while Mayureshwar of Birbhum receives the least (95cm). The wettest district is Alipurduar, and the driest is Bankura. This season follows after a hot moist summer. Maximum rainfall occurs due to south-west monsoon winds.
(c) Autumn (October-November): During this time, temperature remains mild hot, and a change in the direction of monsoon winds is noticed. Local disturbances called ‘Aswin’er Jhar’ occur. High pressure exists over the land surface. Autumn marks the time of change of direction of the monsoon winds.
(d) Dry and Cold winter (December-February): Due to the southward movement of the sun, the temperature starts reducing rapidly. High pressure exists on land, hence North-eastern monsoon winds start blowing from land towards the sea. These winds are dry and cause no rainfall. Average temperature remains 10-16°C for the rest of West Bengal, while in the hilly region it is 0°-4°C. Sometimes extremely cold winds from the north and north-western world reduce the temperature. Western Disturbances may increase the temperature slightly. The winter is cold and dry due to retreating monsoon winds coming from snow-covered cold mountains regions.
West Bengal’s climate is influenced by both the south-west monsoon (blowing during summer and spring) and the north-east monsoon (blowing during autumn and winter). The monsoon winds are very fickle-minded, sometimes coming early and sometimes late. The seasons of West Bengal depend on the monsoon winds.
7. Describe the water resource of West Bengal in brief.
Answer: West Bengal is full of water resources. About 7.5% of India’s total water resource is present in West Bengal. According to the Irrigation Department of West Bengal, the state has 13.29 million hector meter surface water, of which 40% is usable. The Fisheries Department notes about 2,76,000 hector of enclosed water bodies like ponds, 1,72,000 hector of rivers, 80,000 hector of canals, 42,000 hector of wetlands, 17,000 hector of reservoirs and 5,000 hector of sewage-fed wet lands. However, unplanned urbanisation and lack of maintenance are reducing the quantity and quality of water resources. The West Bengal Govt. Fisheries Department marked ‘1st Asharh’ as ‘Wetland Day’ since 1986 to grow consciousness.
Water resource development indicates use for irrigation, drinking, industrial, domestic and other uses.
- Usage for Irrigation: The usage of water resources for agriculture was 5.38 million hectometer in 2000, projected to increase to 10.98 by 2025. Other uses include domestic, industry, thermal power, inland waterways, forestry, and ecosystems environment.
- Sources: Rivers form a network over the land. North Bengal rivers contribute 63% of water, Rarh area rivers contribute 22%, and Eastern plains rivers contribute 15%. Irrigation also uses canals (Govt. and Non-Govt.), ponds, lakes, different kinds of tubewells (shallow and deep wells), and surface flowing water. Groundwater is also a significant source. In 2000-2001, shallow tubewells irrigated the largest area (11,69,906 hectors).
- Per Capita Usage: Per capita water availability has decreased over time, from 2574 cubic meters in 1951 to 720 cubic meters in 2011, alongside population growth.
- Usage for Drinking: India ranks 133rd among 180 countries in per capita water availability (1880m), which is quite low.
- Problems: Excessive usage of water (83% for irrigation) leads to problems. Unplanned use causes groundwater scarcity. Excessive extraction leads to arsenic pollution due to oxidation of rock minerals; about 70 lakh people in 78 blocks of 10 districts suffer from this. Other problems include gradual deterioration of groundwater quality, increased floods and droughts due to rapid weather changes, and wastage due to failing irrigation infrastructure.
- Conservation: The National Water Mission (NWM) started in June 2008 aims for water conservation by preparing climate change databases, encouraging citizen participation, improving conditions where water levels have dropped, and promoting well-planned use in drainage basins. Immediate steps needed include arousing self-consciousness, state intervention against misuse, recycling and reuse after treatment, and conservation of rainwater.
8. Write about the rice-growing region of West Bengal.
Answer: Rice/Paddy is the most important crop of West Bengal. About 61% of the land is used for cultivating paddy. West Bengal is the largest producer of paddy in India. In 2007-2008, 63.70 lakh hectares of land area was used to cultivate food crops, and 160.61 lakh metric tons of food grains were produced, out of which 91% was paddy. Presently, the per hectare production rate of paddy is 2504 kg.
According to seasonal changes, 3 types of grains of paddy are cultivated:
(a) Aman: Sown just before the monsoons (June-July) and reaped in November. It is cheaper and easily cultivable. Undivided Medinipur stands 1st and Bardhaman stands 2nd in production of Aman.
(b) Aus: Sown in April-May with the onset of summer. This crop grows very fast and is reaped in August. Murshidabad stands 1st and Nadia 2nd in production of Aus.
(c) Boro: Sown in November-December and reaped in March-April. Bardhaman stands 1st in its production.
The main paddy producing region covers a vast area of West Bengal, particularly the plains.
9. Write about the tea-producing region of West Bengal.
Answer: The tea industry in West Bengal is primarily located in the Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and KochBihar districts within the Terai-Duars region. There are about 306 big tea gardens and 1232 small gardens, employing about 245 thousand labourers. Additionally, there are about 3000 factories, including ‘Bought leaf factories’.
West Bengal stands 2nd in tea production in India (after Assam), contributing about 22% (or 21%) of India’s total tea production. However, judging by quality, Darjeeling tea is considered the best worldwide, famous for its flavour.
Three main areas produce tea:
- Darjeeling: Produces the best quality flavoured tea. 83 of the 343 tea gardens are located here. Famous gardens include Happy Valley, Makaibari, Bijanbari, Loptu, Kurseong, Sukia Pokhri. Tea gardens are built along hill slopes using step cultivation.
- Jalpaiguri (including Terai and Duars): 92 gardens are in Terai and 168 in the Duars region. Tea industries are established in areas like Mal, Meteli, Chalsa, Binaguri, Madarihat, Nagrakata, Kalchini, Kumargram, Hasimara.
- Alipurduar: This area, along with Jalpaiguri, forms the Duars region known for tea cultivation.
Tea cultivation was first started in North Bengal in 1855-56. The tea gardens often appear as lush green carpets on the surrounding hills. The trade is controlled by the ‘Indian Tea Board’, which operates an auction house.
10. Write about the iron and steel centres of West Bengal in brief.
Answer: There are 2 Integrated iron and steel centres at Burnpur-Hirapur-Kulti and Durgapur, and 1 Alloy-steel centre in Durgapur. Durgapur is known as the ‘Rurh of India’. The factory at Durgapur was started in 1957, with production beginning in 1962 after a contract with a British unit and Indian Steel Works company in 1959.
Advantages for the industry in West Bengal include:
(i) Iron ore: Can be brought from Guya, Noamundi and Keonjhar Bolani mines (around 350 km).
(ii) Coal: Brought from Raniganj and Jharia mines (about 110km).
(iii) Limestone and Manganese: Brought from Gangpur and Birmitrapur (limestone) and Jamda (manganese) (about 370 km).
(iv) Water: Easily available from the river Damodar.
(v) Power: Available from DVC Hydel power and Thermal power projects.
Problems faced by the industry:
(i) Lack of best quality coking coal (West Bengal’s coal has 19% ash content vs. ideal 17%), requiring imports which increases costs.
(ii) Faulty manufacturing plans in govt. enterprises, excessive control, and political interests disrupting business and production.
(iii) Sick mini-steel plants suffering from lack of scrap, graphite electrode, etc.
(iv) Lack of production of alloy and special steel according to market demand.
(v) Faulty export system leading to huge losses.
(vi6) Other issues like poor maintenance, old machinery, frequent transfer of higher-rank employees, strained management-staff relations, political influence in unions, lack of power/raw materials, insufficient transport, and high production costs.
Possibilities: There is scope for improvement. Raw materials are available within India. Five-Year Plans increased investment, and recent privatisation boosted engineering industries, increasing demand. Neighbouring countries also import steel from West Bengal.
11. Describe the tourism industry of any 2 districts of West Bengal.
Answer: West Bengal is a lucrative place for tourism with various kinds of tourist spots like naturally beautiful places, historical places, educational centres, and information centres.
Here is a description of the tourism industry in two districts:
- Kolkata and Howrah: These twin cities offer numerous attractions. In Kolkata city, key spots include Victoria Memorial, Fort William, Monument, Academy of Fine Arts, Asiatic Society, Indian Museum, Nehru Children’s Museum, National Library, Dakshineswar Kali temple, Kalighat Kali temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Nakhoda Masjid, Nicco Park, and Eden Gardens. Howrah features the iconic Howrah Bridge and the Hugli bridge. The Metro railway is also an attraction.
- Darjeeling: This hill district is famous for its scenic beauty and unique attractions. Tourist spots include the Batasia loop, Mal, Zoological garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tiger Hill (for sunrise views), Happy valley tea estate, Ghum monastery and railway station, Kalimpong town, Kurseong town, Lava, Mirik lake, and Sandakfu (highest peak for trekking).
Reasons for development of tourism in West Bengal:
(i) Pleasant weather (especially in hills),
(ii) Variety of Physical environment (mountains, plateau, plains, coast),
(iii) Rich Culture,
(iv) Attractive physical environments like forests,
(v) Variety of food,
(vi) Cheap and affordable rates in hotels,
(vii) Scenic beauty, (viii) Numerous festivals and ceremonies.
Problems:
(i) Lack of modern and high standard hotels,
(ii) Lack of security,
(iii) Lack of fast and luxurious transport facilities,
(iv) Lack of advertisement of less popular tourist spots,
(v) Lack of infrastructure.
Prospect: The prospect of tourism in West Bengal is very high. If problems are handled efficiently, this industry can draw immense economic development.
Extras
Additional MCQs
1. What was the area of West Bengal immediately after independence?
A. 5 lakh sq. km
B. 2 lakh 570 sq. km
C. 78 000 sq. km
D. 88 752 sq. km
Answer: C. 78 000 sq. km
50. Which soil type predominates in the Darjeeling Himalayan region?
A. Laterite
B. Brown podsol
C. Alluvial
D. Black cotton
Answer: B. Brown podsol
Additional Questions, Answers
1. When did Bengal gain independence?
Answer: Bengal remained to be an important British Province till it gained independence on 15th August, 1947.
40. Describe the geographical location, physical environment, and main features of the Sundarbans region.
Answer: The Sundarbans region is located on the south-eastern fringe of the South 24 Parganas district, in the southern part of West Bengal.
Its physical environment is characterized by being part of the active delta plains of South Bengal. It houses a portion of the world’s greatest mangrove forests, covering an area of about 9,300 sq. m. The delta forming process is highly active here, with new islands being formed due to regular deposition of material in the coastal region. The land elevation is very low, only 2-4m. The landscape features numerous braided channels, salty marsh lands, and a highly branched network of river distribution and sub-distribution systems. The entire region is highly influenced by tides. Numerous islands are present, such as Sagar islands, Kalash islands, Frazerganj, Lothiam, Baluchari, and Dalhousie. The rivers here form deltas, have become disconnected from their original sources, and are totally converted to tidal rivers like Saptamukhi, Piyali, Matla, Thakuran, Gosaba, Bidyadhari, Raymangal, Hariya bhanga, Kalindi, and Jhilla. These rivers are interconnected by canals, and the confluence area is very wide. The soil is coastal salty soil, formed by deposition of silt from rivers and sea-waves. This soil is typically immature, salty due to tidal influences (especially near the coast), alkaline, high in mud particles, and generally infertile, supporting mainly coconut, beetle nut, dates, and a few vegetables.
The main features of the Sundarbans include its status as the world’s greatest mangrove forest (with species like Sundari, Garan, Geowa, Hetal, Hogla), the ongoing active delta formation process, its low elevation, the presence of numerous islands and braided tidal channels, and strong tidal influences. The rivers are tidal and navigable, and the process of delta formation is still active.
Get notes of other classes and subjects