Hooghly River

The Hooghly River, located in West Bengal, an eastern state in India, is a significant river that has had a major impact on the state’s economy and culture. It is also known as The Ganges, one of India’s most important and sacred rivers. The Hooghly River is a branch of the Ganges, starting in the Himalayas and flowing southward into the Bay of Bengal, which is in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. This river is about 260 kilometers long.

Most of the water in the Hooghly River comes from the man-made Farakka Feeder Canal rather than its natural source. This river provides a vital water supply for irrigation and for people and industries in West Bengal.

The Hooghly River is crossed by several famous bridges that connect Kolkata with Howrah. Some examples include the Howrah Bridge, Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge), and Vivekananda Setu. The construction of these bridges has greatly improved transportation and accessibility in the region, contributing to its development.

Hooghly River Origin

Every river starts somewhere, where water begins to flow. They also get water from other smaller streams called tributaries. The Hooghly river is one of these smaller streams, and it comes from the big Ganges river. It originate at a place called Farakka Barrage in the Indian state of West Bengal. It splits off from the Ganges near Giria in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India. The Hooghly is the western part of the Ganges that flows for about 260 kilometers before it meets the Bay of Bengal. Rivers play a big role in the water cycle. Water from a big area called a drainage basin usually flows into a river.

Tributaries of Hooghly River

The Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, is like a branch of the big Ganges River. It starts from the Ganges, which gets water from many smaller rivers like Bhagirathi and Jhalangi in Nadia and Murshidabad districts. These small rivers are important for saving the different plants and animals in the Indian Sundarban area. The Hooghly River goes around, and it also joins with other smaller rivers like Damodar, Haldi, Rupnarayan, and Dwarakeswar, which makes the area have many different kinds of water animals and plants.

Hooghly River Map

The Course of Hooghly River

The river flows through some big cities like Kolkata, Howrah, and Haldia, where it’s a major transportation hub. It’s important in many areas it passes through. The river can be divided into three parts:

1. Upper Course:

The Hooghly River starts in West Bengal, splitting off from the Ganges. It flows south and goes through Murshidabad.

2. Middle Course:

As it keeps going south, the river passes through Kolkata (Calcutta). Kolkata is on the east side of the Hooghly River, and Howrah is on the west.

3. Lower Course:

The river keeps moving south until it reaches the Bay of Bengal. The Hooghly River forms the western edge of the Sundarbans delta, which is one of the biggest mangrove forests in the world.

Hooghly River Bridges

The Hooghly River, also called the Hugli River, is a branch of the Ganges River that flows through the Indian state of West Bengal. It splits the city of Kolkata (Calcutta) into two parts. This river is vital for transportation and connecting the area. There are many famous bridges over the Hooghly River. They link both sides of the river, making it easier for people and goods to move. These bridges are not just important for transportation; they are also impressive engineering and architectural achievements. They add to the cultural and historical significance of Kolkata.

Howrah Bridge

The Howrah Bridge is probably the most famous bridge over the Hooghly River in Kolkata. It was finished in 1943 and was originally called the New Howrah Bridge, but most people just call it “Howrah Bridge.” It’s a special kind of bridge called a cantilever bridge, and it was built without using nuts and bolts. It’s super strong and can carry lots of cars, people, and even a tram. It’s one of the busiest bridges in the world. At night, when it’s all lit up, it looks amazing!

Vidyasagar Setu

The Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, opened to everyone in 1992. It’s named after a famous scholar and reformer called Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. This bridge has a modern design, and it’s really good at helping with traffic in Kolkata. It’s like a vital connection between the city and nearby areas.

Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge II)

The Rabindra Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, opened in 1943, the same year as the original Howrah Bridge. It gives another way for cars to go over the Hooghly River and helps to reduce traffic on the Howrah Bridge. It might not be as famous as the first one, but it’s essential for getting around the city.

Nivedita Setu

The Nivedita Setu was named after Sister Nivedita, who was a follower of Swami Vivekananda. This bridge opened in 2007 and connects the southern part of Kolkata to the industrial areas of Howrah. It’s helped a lot with the area’s economic growth.

Dankuni Bridge

The Dankuni Bridge, also known as the Vivekananda Setu, goes over the Hooghly River upstream from Kolkata. It connects the town of Dankuni to Hooghly on the other side. This bridge opened in 1932 and is crucial for people and goods traveling in the region.

Hooghly River Cyclone

The Hooghly River Cyclone of 1737 is considered one of the deadliest natural disasters ever. It’s often called the Calcutta Cyclone and it caused a lot of damage to the low-lying areas in the region. The cyclone hit the Ganges River Delta, just south of Calcutta, West Bengal, India, on October 11, 1737. It led to a big flood in the Ganges and about 15 inches of rain. The cyclone destroyed 20,000 boats and sadly, around 300,000 to 350,000 people lost their lives, including ship crews and locals in the low-lying areas of Bengal.

This cyclone in 1737 is known as the first super cyclone in the North Indian Ocean and one of the worst natural disasters in India. It was a super big storm and a Category 5 tropical cyclone. It started on October 9, 1737, and ended on October 13, 1737. The cyclone had very strong winds, with 260 km/h (160 mph) winds lasting for 3 minutes and 270 km/h (165 mph) winds lasting for 1 minute. It affected Bangladesh and India, mainly in West Bengal.

After the 1737 cyclone, there were more cyclones, like the 1864 Calcutta Cyclone, which hit East India on October 5, 1864. It brought heavy rain and strong winds to Calcutta and East Bengal. The cyclone made the Hooghly River overflow because of a big wave of water, and everything in its path got washed away. After the cyclone, the city and surrounding areas had to be rebuilt, and the total damage cost Rs 99,200.

Importance of Hooghly River

The Hooghly River holds great importance for several reasons:

• Historical Legacy: The Hooghly River played a crucial role in India’s colonial history. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was established as a trading hub by the British East India Company, utilizing the river for transportation of goods and people.
• Religious Significance: The Hooghly River is deeply connected to various religious beliefs and holds significant religious importance. Many consider the river sacred, and numerous temples, such as the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, are located along its banks.
• Cultural Diversity: The Hooghly River exemplifies the diverse cultures found in India. It flows through West Bengal, where Bengali, Hindi, and English cultures coexist harmoniously. The riverbanks are home to people from different religious backgrounds, enriching the region’s cultural tapestry.

Hooghly River Infrastructure

The Hooghly River plays a vital role in India’s development, mainly in transportation. It has been a significant part of the region’s history for a long time. The river is crucial for business and movement. It serves as a key route for transportation, trade, and commerce in the area. There are various facilities along the river that make it useful for different purposes. These facilities are essential for the economy and growth of the region. Many famous bridges connect Kolkata to its neighboring regions over the Hooghly River. Some of these bridges include:

1. Kolkata Port Trust: Located on the riverbanks, this place is where goods are loaded and unloaded from ships. It’s essential for trade.
2. Farakka Barrage: Situated at the river’s source, this structure helps control the water flow downstream.
3. Howrah Bridge: Built in 1943, it’s a famous bridge connecting Kolkata and Howrah. It’s known for its unique design and is a symbol of the city.
4. Vidyasagar Setu: This cable-stayed bridge connects Kolkata to the industrial port city of Haldia. It’s quite long and crucial for transportation.

Famous Places Near Hooghly River

The region surrounding the Hooghly River is well-known for its religious significance and boasts a variety of renowned sites. The Hooghly River holds various religious associations, and its banks are home to numerous temples and places of worship. Additionally, there are enjoyable activities such as boat rides on the river.

1. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, one of India’s most famous temples, graces the banks of the Hooghly River. This temple pays homage to Goddess Kali and is celebrated for its splendid architecture, drawing a large number of visitors.
2. Belur Math, another renowned temple situated on the riverbanks, serves as the headquarters for the Ramakrishna Mission. It was established by Swami Vivekananda in memory of his guru, Sri Ramakrishna.
3. Chandannagar, a quaint town situated along the Hooghly River, is renowned for its picturesque gardens, ancient churches, and temples. In the past, it was a French colony, and many of its buildings showcase French architectural styles.

FAQs on Hooghly River

What is special about Hooghly River?

The Hooghly River is special because it flows through Kolkata, connecting the city with its iconic bridges like Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu, enhancing transportation and culture.

Where is located River Hooghly?

The Hooghly River is located in the Indian state of West Bengal, flowing through Kolkata and serving as a vital waterway in the region.

Which dam is on Hooghly River?

The Farakka Barrage is the significant dam structure on the Hooghly River. It was built to divert water for irrigation and manage river flow.

What is the old name of Hooghly River?

The old name of the Hooghly River is Bhagirathi. It is one of the distributaries of the Ganges River.

Is Hooghly a man-made river?

No, the Hooghly River is not man-made. It is a natural river that is part of the Ganges delta system.

Is Hooghly River clean?

The cleanliness of the Hooghly River varies, with sections being polluted due to urban and industrial activities. Efforts are made to improve its water quality.