Changing Fluvio-dynamic Scenario of the Adi Ganga River, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The Adi Ganga River is a paleodistributary of the Bhagirathi-Hugli River, and was once an important navigational channel according to Medieval Bengali literature. Many European merchants and travellers also travelled through the Adi Ganga by vessels to the port of Kolkata. Local people also carried various items from the Sundarban via Adi Ganga. Previously, earthen embankments and natural levees existed at different sites along the river. But now, due to unprecedented urban growth, the river is sandwiched on both sides. After the partition of Bengal, many refugees occupied the riverbanks and constructed huts. The river bed is converted into a built-up area in some places. Once it was lifeline of the people of the Bengal delta, but the lower stretch has been reclaimed. Previously the rainwater of Kolkata was discharged through different small outlets into Adi Ganga river. At present, the riverside land use patterns have been entirely modified. As a result, flooding has become a common problem during monsoon period. Several fluvial parameters are analysed to assess the present fluvio-dynamic status and the decay of the Adi Ganga River. The present study aims at the detection of the changing scenario of fluvial geometry of the Adi Ganga. The research work is mainly based on collected and thoroughly analysed primary data. The study on the fluvio-dynamics of the Adi Ganga River revealed that the fluvial geometry has been changing unto the fate of ultimate deterioration.