Daily Current Affairs : 5-October-2023

The Ichamati River, also known as Ichamathi River, holds a significant place in the cultural and geographical landscape of West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has undertaken a crucial initiative to rejuvenate this river, recognizing its importance as a national waterway. This essay delves into the unique features of the Ichamati River, its cultural significance, and the recent efforts made to revive its glory.

Ichamati River: A Transboundary Marvel
  • Origin and Flow: The Ichamati River originates at Mahjdia village in the Nadia district of West Bengal, branching out from the river Mathabhanga. It flows through West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh, enriching the regions it touches.
  • Divisions: The river is divided into three parts. The longer section emerges from the Mathabhanga River, then converges with the Kalindi River, finally passing through North-24 Parganas and Debhata in the Satkhira District.
  • Tributaries and Oxbow Lake: Ichhamati River and its tributaries create a vast oxbow lake complex in North 24-Paraganas district near Bangaon, enhancing the biodiversity of the region.
Cultural and Agricultural Significance
  • Inspiration for Art and Literature: The Ichamati River has inspired poets and artists, becoming a muse for numerous poems and songs that celebrate its beauty and serenity.
  • Agricultural Lifeline: Besides its cultural value, the river serves as a lifeline for farmers. The water from Ichamati is vital for irrigation, ensuring fertile lands along its banks, supporting agriculture and livelihoods.
Government’s Initiative: National Waterway 44

The government’s recognition of a 63 km stretch of the Ichamati River as National Waterway number 44 marks a pivotal step towards its revival. This designation emphasizes the river’s importance in the nation’s transportation network, promising both economic and ecological benefits.

  • Revival Efforts: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has initiated comprehensive plans for the rejuvenation of the Ichamati River. This includes riverbank protection, water quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation measures.
  • Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure such as river ports and terminals along the Ichamati River enhances connectivity, facilitating the movement of goods and people. This development spurs economic activities in the surrounding regions, promoting trade and commerce.

Important Points:

  • Ichamati River Overview:
    • Transboundary river flowing through West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
    • Originates from Mahjdia village in Nadia district, branching from river Mathabhanga.
    • Divided into three parts, merging with Kalindi River before reaching North-24 Parganas and Debhata in Satkhira District.
  • Cultural and Agricultural Significance:
    • Inspires poets and artists, serving as a muse for poems and songs.
    • Vital source of irrigation, supporting agriculture and local livelihoods along its banks.
  • Government Initiative: National Waterway 44:
    • 63 km stretch of Ichamati River declared as National Waterway number 44.
    • Initiated comprehensive plans for riverbank protection, water quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation.
    • Investment in infrastructure development, including river ports and terminals, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic activities.
  • Environmental Significance:
    • Ichamati River and its tributaries create a large oxbow lake complex in North 24-Paraganas district, enhancing biodiversity.
Why In News

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has initiated efforts to rejuvenate the Ichamati River. Recognizing its significance, the government has officially designated a 63 km stretch of the Ichamati River as National Waterway 44, paving the way for sustainable development and improved transportation in the region.

MCQs about Ichamati River

  1. What is the primary significance of Ichamati River?
    A. Industrial Development
    B. Source of Irrigation and Cultural Inspiration
    C. Transportation Hub
    D. Drinking Water Supply
    Correct Answer: B. Source of Irrigation and Cultural Inspiration
    Explanation: The Ichamati River is a vital source of irrigation for farmers living along its banks. Additionally, it inspires poets and artists, becoming a muse for poems and songs.
  2. Which ministry is responsible for the revival of the Ichamati River?
    A. Ministry of Environment and Forest
    B. Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
    C. Ministry of Agriculture
    D. Ministry of Culture
    Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
    Explanation: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has undertaken initiatives to rejuvenate the Ichamati River.
  3. What does the designation of Ichamati River as National Waterway number 44 imply?
    A. Aesthetic Recognition
    B. Ecotourism Promotion
    C. Economic and Ecological Importance
    D. Cultural Heritage Conservation
    Correct Answer: C. Economic and Ecological Importance
    Explanation: Designating the Ichamati River as National Waterway number 44 emphasizes its importance in the nation’s transportation network, promising both economic and ecological benefits.
  4. Apart from irrigation, what environmental significance does Ichamati River hold?
    A. Formation of Waterfalls
    B. Creation of Coral Reefs
    C. Biodiversity Enhancement and Oxbow Lake Formation
    D. Desertification Prevention
    Correct Answer: C. Biodiversity Enhancement and Oxbow Lake Formation
    Explanation: Ichamati River and its tributaries create a large oxbow lake complex in North 24-Paraganas district, enhancing the biodiversity of the region.

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