FARAKKA Meaning and
Definition
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Farakka is a noun that refers to the Farakka Barrage, a structure located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is constructed across the Ganges River near the town of Farakka. The Farakka Barrage was built for the purpose of diverting water from the Ganges River into the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges.
The Farakka Barrage serves multiple functions. Firstly, it acts as a bridge connecting the districts of Murshidabad in West Bengal and Sahibganj in Jharkhand, facilitating transportation and connectivity between the two regions. Secondly, it plays a significant role in the conservation and management of water resources of the Ganges and its tributaries. By controlling the flow of water, the Farakka Barrage helps in mitigating floods during the monsoon season and maintains a regulated water supply during dry periods.
Additionally, the Farakka Barrage has been a topic of discussion and debate due to its impact on the river's ecology. The diverted water flow has changed the course of the river and affected aquatic life, including migratory fish species. This has led to concerns about the environmental consequences of the Farakka Barrage, particularly its impact on the Sunderbans mangrove forests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located downstream.
Overall, Farakka primarily refers to the Barrage that diverts water from the Ganges River, playing a crucial role in transportation, water resource management, and environmental considerations in the region.
Etymology of FARAKKA
The word "Farakka" has its origins in the Bengali language, which is primarily spoken in the eastern region of India and Bangladesh. The word "Farakka" is derived from the combination of two Bengali words - "phorash-kha" which translates to "a forested channel".
The name is associated with the Farakka Barrage, a barrage located in the Indian state of West Bengal, near the town of Farakka. The barrage is built across the Ganges River and was constructed to divert water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. The Farakka Barrage plays a significant role in managing water flow for navigation, irrigation, and overall water resource management in the region.
Over time, the term "phorash-kha" transformed into "Farakka" and became the recognized name for the town and the barrage.
